Real Madrid cruised to victory against Mexican side Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final held in Qatar.
Kylian Mbappé’s first-half goal at Lusail Stadium—the site of his memorable hat-trick in the World Cup final two years ago—put Madrid in control. Second-half strikes from Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr sealed the win.
Mbappé opened the scoring late in the first half, finishing from close range after Vinícius rounded Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.
Rodrygo doubled the lead early in the second half with a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box.
After a pitchside review, referee Jesús Valenzuela confirmed the goal, ruling that Jude Bellingham was not interfering with play despite standing in an offside position.
Pachuca captain Salomón Rondón tested Thibaut Courtois with a long-range free-kick and later sent a header narrowly over the bar.
Vinícius Jr, a day after being crowned FIFA Men’s Player of the Year, added a third from the penalty spot following a foul on Lucas Vázquez by Oussama Idrissi.
This inaugural edition of the Intercontinental Cup, a replacement for the FIFA Club World Cup (set to return next summer), featured a straight knockout format with five continental club champions.
Pachuca, winners of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeated CAF Champions League holders Al-Ahly to reach the final. UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid entered directly into the final.