Ancelotti becomes most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s history after continental cup win

• Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-0 to win the revamped FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Doha, marking Carlo Ancelotti's 15th title with the club
• Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior were on the scoresheet, proving Madrid’s clinical finishing on the night
• Vinicius Junior converted a late penalty to seal the win after Lucas Vazquez was fouled in the box, leaving no doubt about Madrid’s dominance

Spanish giants Real Madrid added yet another prestigious trophy to their cabinet, defeating Mexican side Pachuca 3-0 to clinch the revamped FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Lusail Stadium, Doha.

The triumph also marked a historic milestone for Carlo Ancelotti, who became the most decorated coach in the club’s illustrious history with 15 titles.

The match began with Pachuca looking determined to rattle their Spanish opponents. 

Early on, they pressed high and unleashed a flurry of shots at Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, but none posed a real threat. 

Real Madrid, however, gained more confidence as time went by and showed their clinical edge in the 37th minute. 

Jude Bellingham’s inch-perfect through ball found Vinicius Junior, who displayed remarkable composure as he rounded goalkeeper Carlos Moreno and unselfishly set up Kylian Mbappé for a simple tap-in.

Pachuca regrouped after the break, with Nelson Deossa coming close in the 52nd minute, only to see his deflected shot fly wide. But Real Madrid quickly responded in style, doubling their lead just a minute later. 

Rodrygo produced a moment of brilliance, curling a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the box. 

VAR briefly reviewed the goal due to Jude Bellingham’s positioning, but the referee confirmed that the Englishman was not interfering with the play.

Pachuca nearly pulled one back in the 70th minute when Salomon Rondon rose to meet Elias Montiel’s cross, only to see his header sail just over the bar. Real Madrid sealed the victory in the 85th minute when Vinicius Junior converted from the penalty spot after Lucas Vazquez was fouled in the area.

Speaking after the match, Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for his squad while humbly acknowledging the privilege of coaching at Real Madrid, 

“Winning titles at Real Madrid is easier than elsewhere, you have a fantastic club, a fan base that pushes, and a squad with the best players in the world.”

Ancelotti also emphasised the emergence of younger talents like Rodrygo and Camavinga, stating their importance in maintaining the team’s competitive edge, 

“We’re not at our best yet, but we’re very dangerous in front of goal and continue to improve,” he added.

Real Madrid sets new record with UEFA Super Cup, Mbappé's debut goal

Previously, TheRadar reported that as the European football season begins, Real Madrid wasted no time in reaffirming their European superiority with a 2-0 victory over last season’s Europa League winners, Atalanta, in the UEFA Super Cup. 

Kylian Mbappé, who made his much-anticipated debut on Wednesday, August 14, in Warsaw, Poland, found the back of the net after 68 minutes into his Real Madrid career.