Real Madrid triumphed over Mexican side Pachuca with a 3-0 victory in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, solidifying Carlo Ancelotti’s status as the most decorated coach in the club’s history.
With this win, Ancelotti secured his 15th title with Real Madrid, surpassing the previous record of 14 trophies held jointly with Miguel Muñoz, who managed the team during the 1960s and 70s. “I’m very happy; it’s a triumph,” said the 65-year-old Ancelotti, who was also named men’s coach of the year at FIFA’s “The Best” awards the day before. “We didn’t get off to a good start but finished well, showing great attitude.”
Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior each scored for Madrid, who became the most successful club in the tournament’s history with four titles, having previously won in 1960, 1998, and 2002. Pachuca, on the other hand, has yet to claim a title in this competition, which features champions from all six soccer confederations.
The tournament is undergoing a format change as FIFA prepares to expand the Club World Cup to 32 teams in 2025. Real Madrid has previously won the annual Club World Cup five times, in 2014, 2016, 2017-18, and 2022.
Ancelotti has claimed 11 of his titles during his second tenure with the club, which began in 2021, while four titles, including a Champions League victory, were achieved during his first stint from 2013 to 2015.
Mbappé, returning from a left-thigh injury, opened the scoring in the 37th minute with an assist from Vinícius. Rodrygo doubled the lead with a precise shot in the 53rd minute, and Vinícius, named men’s player of the year on Tuesday, capped off the scoring with a penalty kick in the 84th minute.
Real Madrid advanced directly to the final as the European champion, while Pachuca reached this stage by defeating South American champions Botafogo and Al Ahly of Egypt in the preliminary rounds of the tournament held in Qatar.
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