Real Madrid defeated Pachuca to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. By winning the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid qualified directly for the final. Meanwhile, Pachuca secured their spot in the tournament by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Pachuca’s path to the final included victories over South American Champions Botafogo in the quarterfinals and African Champions Al Ahli in the semifinals.

The match saw Kylian Mbappé break the deadlock in the 37th minute, courtesy of a nice cross from Vinícius Jr. That Mbappé turned into the back of the net. Rodrygo doubled Real Madrid’s advantage in the 53rd minute, before Vinícius sealed the victory from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute.

This win marked Carlo Ancelotti’s 15th title as Real Madrid’s manager, making him the coach with the most trophies in Real Madrid’s history.

Pachuca’s 19-year-old sensation, Elías Montiel, received the Bronze Ball. Fede Valverde was awarded the Silver Ball, while his Real Madrid teammate Vinícius took home the Gold Ball, the Man of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards.

Real Madrid concluded the year on a high note, adding the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to their impressive trophy collection for the year, which includes the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and LaLiga titles.