This Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Real Madrid faces Pachuca in a historic showdown at the Intercontinental Cup Final. The match kicks off at 2 PM (Brasília time) at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, promising an electrifying atmosphere. The game will be broadcast live on TV Globo and sportv, with real-time updates available on ge.
In addition to aiming for their ninth world title, Real Madrid has an extra motivational boost: the debut of Vinícius Júnior as FIFA’s Best Player. The Brazilian forward was recently crowned the world’s best player at the FIFA The Best awards, cementing his place at the pinnacle of global football.
Real Madrid: A powerhouse bolstered by the world’s best
Real Madrid enters the final after a year filled with historic achievements. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, the team has already claimed four trophies in 2024: La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup. Now, they aim to replicate their historic 2017 feat when they secured five titles in a single season.
Vinícius Júnior’s presence is a game-changer. The Brazilian, in the best form of his career, assumes the role of team leader at this crucial moment. His speed, skill, and vision will be key to breaking through Pachuca’s defense and securing another title for Madrid.
Alongside Vini Jr., Real Madrid also welcomes back Kylian Mbappé, fully recovered from injury, strengthening an already star-studded lineup that includes Rodrygo, Valverde, and Bellingham.
Pachuca: Chasing a dream
On the other side, Pachuca is enjoying its best international campaign. The Mexican side, led by Uruguayan coach Guillermo Almada, stunned fans by eliminating Botafogo with a resounding 3-0 victory and defeating Al-Ahly on penalties to secure their first-ever intercontinental final appearance.
Coach Almada acknowledged Real Madrid’s favoritism but emphasized that Pachuca will play fearlessly. The team’s strategy is to neutralize Madrid’s individual talents, relying on collective effort and tactical discipline to balance the game.
Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón stands out as Pachuca’s key player. With his international experience and sharp goal-scoring instincts, Rondón will play a pivotal role in their attempt to make history against the European giants.
Where to watch and match details
Fans can catch the final live on TV Globo and sportv, with minute-by-minute updates available on ge. The match will take place at Lusail Stadium, the venue for the 2022 World Cup final, renowned for its grandeur and capacity to host over 80,000 spectators.
Probable lineups
Both teams are expected to field their strongest squads for the final. The probable lineups are:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Tchouameni, Rüdiger, Fran García; Valverde, Camavinga, Güler, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior. Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Pachuca: Carlos Moreno; Bryan Gonzalez, Gustavo Cabral, Luis Rodriguez, Micolta; Pedro Pedraza, Arturo Gonzalez (or Deossa), Alan Bautista, Elias Montiel; Oussama Idrissi, Salomón Rondón. Coach: Guillermo Almada.
Vini Jr.’s motivation after FIFA The Best
Vinícius Júnior’s recognition as FIFA The Best 2024 is a milestone not just for his career but for Brazilian football as a whole. The forward surpassed some of the biggest names in world football and now shoulders the responsibility of leading Real Madrid in another major final.
After winning the award, Vini Jr. highlighted the challenges he overcame throughout his journey. Now, he takes the field determined to prove why he was named the best in the world in a final that could further cement his remarkable season.
Key facts and curiosities
- Real Madrid is chasing their ninth world title, while Pachuca is competing in their first intercontinental final.
- Carlo Ancelotti is one win away from becoming the most successful coach in the club’s history with 15 titles.
- The match will be officiated by Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela, with VAR overseen by Juan Soto.
- Lusail Stadium, the stage for the 2022 World Cup final, is among the most iconic stadiums in the world.
Expectations for the clash
The match between Real Madrid and Pachuca promises to be thrilling. While the Spanish side looks to cement their dominance in global football, Pachuca dreams of a surprise victory that would write a new chapter in the tournament’s history.
For fans, Vinícius Júnior’s presence as FIFA’s Best Player adds an extra layer of excitement, making this game even more special. With all the elements of a grand spectacle, this final is set to be a celebration of football at its finest.