Los Blancos’ star trio were on top form as Carlo Ancelotti celebrated becoming the most successful manager in the club’s history

Real Madrid won the IntercontinenLos Blancos’ star trio were on top form as Carlo Ancelotti celebrated becoming the most successful manager in the club’s history

Real Madrid won the Intercontinental Cup final after beating Mexican giants Pachuca 3-0 in Qatar on a memorable evening for Carlo Ancelotti, whose 15th major trophy with Los Blancos sees him become the club’s most successful manager ever.

The Spanish side struggled to create any clear chances in the first half until the 37th minute, when they found the net with their first shot on target. The goal was worth the wait, too, Real Madrid’s star trio flexing their skills to deliver a moment of class. Jude Bellingham played the ball through to Vinicius Jr, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper and teed up Kylian Mbappe to score on his return to the side.

Madrid weren’t out of second gear when they made it 2-0 early in the second period, with Mbappe turning provider. The Frenchman found Rodrygo, who cut onto his left foot and then chopped onto his right before curling a superb effort past Carlos Moreno.tal Cup final after beating Mexican giants Pachuca 3-0 in Qatar on a memorable evening for Carlo Ancelotti, whose 15th major trophy with Los Blancos sees him become the club’s most successful manager ever.

The Spanish side struggled to create any clear chances in the first half until the 37th minute, when they found the net with their first shot on target. The goal was worth the wait, too, Real Madrid’s star trio flexing their skillso deliver a moment of class. Jude Bellingham played the ball through to Vinicius Jr, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper and teed up Kylian Mbappe to score on his return to the side.

Madrid weren’t out of second gear when they made it 2-0 early in the second period, with Mbappe turning provider. The Frenchman found Rodrygo, who cut onto his left foot and then chopped onto his right before curling a superb effort past Carlos Moreno.

So a successful trip to Qatar for Madrid, who wrapped up the win thanks to Vinicius’ late penalty, and a triumphant return to the Lusail Stadium for Mbappe on the second anniversary of France’s World Cup final heartache against Argentina.

GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from Qatar…

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (8/10):

Active in the opening minutes, keeping out Luis Rodriguez and Oussama Idrissi, and did well to deny Salomon Rondon in the second half as Pachuca pushed to get on the scoresheet.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Not given too many headaches by Pachuca’s attack and won the late penalty which Vinicius converted.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Coped well as Madrid came under some pressure in the second half.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Solid, as ever for the centre-back.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Strong in the challenge and got forward at every opportunity.

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Midfield

Federico Valverde (8/10):

The Uruguayan was excellent in defence and attack, playing a decisive pass that led to Mbappe’s goal.

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Not as effective as his midfield partner Valverde but appeared to still enjoy himself with some effective dribbling and plenty of running.

Jude Bellingham (9/10):

Showed his class with some fine touches, including the pass to Vinicius that led to Madrid’s opening goal.

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Attack

Rodrygo (8/10):

Starred against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and kept it up with another excellent display, capped off with a fine goal.

Vinicius Jr. (8/10):

The Brazilian’s often-overlooked playmaking skills were on full display during a dynamic performance. His assist for Mbappe was special, and he put the cherry on top of a fine performance with his late penalty.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Marked his return to the Madrid side with a bang after missing the draw against Vallecano. The French striker looked sharp and he’s now scored in three straight games.

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Subs & Manager

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Kept things ticking over.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Keen to get on the scoresheet but saw a long-range effort fly over.

Luka Modric (6/10):

The 39-year-old will cherish appearing in games like these as his career winds down.

Raul Asensio (N/A):

Not enough time.

Arda Guler (N/A):

Late addition.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

More difficult tests lie in wait for the Italian but he’ll enjoy this history-making victory.