Real Madrid are gearing up for an intense and highly anticipated showdown in the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca, which will take place on Arab soil.
This moment marks the culmination of an exceptional year for the team, a year filled with triumphs and challenges.
Under Florentino Perez, the Board of Directors has placed significant focus on supporting the squad, including holding strategic discussions with coach Carlo Ancelotti and his players.
These talks have highlighted the crucial roles of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius, who are expected to lead the team both on and off the pitch.
Real Madrid preparing for the contest
The hours leading up to the final have been anything but calm, particularly for the two forwards. Kylian Mbappe’s status for the match remains uncertain following an injury he sustained during the recent European Cup clash against Atalanta.
Despite training with the team, doubts linger over his ability to feature in the final. Ancelotti, speaking during the pre-match press conference, emphasised that the decision regarding his participation would hinge on the hours leading up to the match.
Florentino Perez has a message for Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Vinicius has been making headlines for winning FIFA’s prestigious ‘The Best’ award. This period of preparation has seen the Real Madrid squad balancing their focus on the upcoming match with the buzz surrounding individual accolades.
Perez’s message
The importance of this final has not gone unnoticed by the Real Madrid hierarchy. A loss against Pachuca could lead to intense scrutiny within the club, but a victory would cap off one of the most successful years in recent memory.
The team has faced various obstacles throughout 2024, but their resilience has brought them to this pivotal moment.
In Doha, Perez personally addressed the squad, emphasising the significance of the final. His message to Mbappe, Vinicius, and the rest of the team was clear: this is not just a match but an opportunity to further elevate the club’s global reputation.
“This match will be watched by millions of people around the world, we have to win the second title of the year,” the club president told Mbappe and Vinicius as quoted by Defensa Central.
With millions of fans watching worldwide, Real Madrid cannot afford to falter. Winning the Intercontinental Cup would solidify their status as one of the world’s most formidable teams and add another proud chapter to the club’s storied history.