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Ancelotti makes Real Madrid history with Intercontinental Cup triumph

New record: Carlo Ancelotti has overtaken Miguel Munoz as the most successful coach in Real Madrid history

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Carlo Ancelotti became the most successful coach in Real Madrid history as his side brushed aside Pachuca 3-0 to win the inaugural Fifa Intercontinental Cup final.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr were both on the scoresheet on their respective returns to the starting lineup on Wednesday night as the Concacaf Champions Cup winners proved no match for the Uefa Champions League holders in Qatar, with Rodrygo also netting on a memorable night for Los Blancos.

It was Real Madrid’s fifth major trophy of 2024 to follow triumphs in the Spanish Super Cup, LaLiga, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup, with Ancelotti’s 15th piece of silverware across two spells in charge at the Bernabeu seeing him move clear of the legendary Miguel Munoz for the most trophies won by any manager in the club’s illustrious history.

Mbappe missed the weekend LaLiga thriller away at Rayo Vallecano with a thigh issue suffered after scoring early in the Champions League win against Atalanta, but was deemed fit enough to start back at the Lusail Stadium - scene of his scintilating hat-trick that proved so painfully in vain in an unforgettable 2022 World Cup showpiece between France and Argentina.

But this time Mbappe was on the winning side, tapping home from close range late in the first half after Real Madrid came alive following a lacklustre opening to proceedings, fine work in midfield seeing Jude Bellingham play in Vinicius Jr, who went round goalkeeper Carlos Moreno with a couple of stepovers before squaring for his team-mate to score with their first shot on target.

The lead was doubled early in the second half when Rodrygo twisted and turned on the edge of the Pachuca box after more stylish passing football, eventually shifting inside and unleashing an unstoppable effort beyond Moreno.

Pachuca were incensed that an offside Bellingham appeared to be in the goalkeeper’s line of sight as he ducked just before Rodrygo’s strike, but the goal eventually stood after Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela took several long looks at the replays after being sent by the VAR to consult the pitchside monitor.

There were plenty of chances at both ends and Pachuca briefly threatened a comeback before Vinicius Jr wrapped up Real Madrid’s latest trophy win from the penalty spot, squeezing his effort in off the hand of Moreno after referee Valenzuela was again sent to the monitor after Oussama Idrissi’s challenge inside the box on Lucas Vazquez.

Pachuca thought they had netted a consolation in stoppage time, only for substitute Angel Mena’s header to be quickly ruled out for offside.

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