Real Madrid vs. Pachuca FC: Player Ratings as Rodrygo Shines Bright

Real Madrid made no mistakes in the Intercontinental Cup final. Facing Mexico’s Pachuca FC at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Carlo Ancelotti’s side triumphed with a commanding 3-0 victory. This marks their second trophy of the season and their record sixth Intercontinental Cup win.

A Dominant Display

After a lackluster performance against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga over the weekend, Real Madrid responded emphatically on the grand stage. With FIFA The Best award winner Vinícius Júnior leading the charge and Kylian Mbappé making an early return from injury, Los Blancos controlled the game with authority.

Mbappé opened the scoring before halftime, converting a precise pass from Vinícius. Rodrygo Goes then doubled the lead in the second half with a breathtaking solo goal, while Vinícius sealed the victory with a penalty. Carlo Ancelotti’s legendary status grew further as he became Real Madrid’s most decorated coach.

Here’s how the players performed:

Thibaut Courtois (6.5)

The Belgian goalkeeper delivered another solid performance. Early in the game, Courtois made a few crucial saves to keep Pachuca at bay. Once Real Madrid took control, he had little to do but stayed sharp when called upon.

Antonio Rüdiger (6)

The experienced German defender had a steady game but showed signs of fatigue from the packed schedule. While his positioning was reliable, some of his passes were less precise. Nevertheless, his experience helped neutralize Pachuca’s attack.

Aurélien Tchouaméni (7)

Deployed as a center-back, Tchouaméni rose to the occasion. His composure in defense and ability to break up Pachuca’s advances stood out. He overshadowed Rüdiger on this occasion, showing why Ancelotti trusted him in this unfamiliar role.

Fran García (6.5)

The left-back put on a strong display, bouncing back from his inconsistent outing against Rayo Vallecano. His physicality and tenacity frustrated Pachuca’s wingers, showcasing his potential as a reliable backup for Ferland Mendy.

Lucas Vázquez (6.5)

Captain for the night, Vázquez was dependable on both ends of the pitch. His solid defensive work and offensive contribution, including earning the penalty for the third goal, made him a key figure in Real Madrid’s victory.

Eduardo Camavinga (6)

The French midfielder had a mixed performance. While his ball-winning ability was evident, he struggled with consistency in possession, particularly in the first half. Despite some risky moments, his energy was vital in controlling the midfield.

Federico Valverde (6.5)

Valverde delivered a typical all-action display. Though he started slowly, his work rate and ability to cover defensively helped balance the team. His combination play with Vázquez on the right flank was particularly effective.

Jude Bellingham (7)

The English midfielder was once again a standout performer. His creativity and physicality were key in linking defense to attack. Bellingham’s clever passes and technical skills caused constant problems for Pachuca’s defense.

Rodrygo Goes (7.5)

The Brazilian forward was electric throughout the match. His dazzling dribbles and movement created opportunities, and his spectacular goal to double the lead was the highlight of the game. Rodrygo’s defensive contributions were equally commendable, making him the standout performer.

Vinícius Júnior (7.5)

Recently crowned FIFA The Best Player of 2024, Vinícius delivered another stellar performance. His assist for Mbappé’s goal and his calm penalty to seal the victory demonstrated his importance to the team. Despite a few misplaced passes early on, he proved why he’s one of the best in the world.

Kylian Mbappé (6)

Returning from injury, Mbappé showed no signs of rust. His positioning and finishing for the opening goal were excellent, but he played a more conservative role overall. Substituted early in the second half, he made the most of his limited time on the pitch.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Tactical Brilliance

Ancelotti’s ability to rotate players and adapt to different challenges was evident once again. By utilizing Tchouaméni in defense and managing Mbappé’s minutes, he ensured a balanced and effective performance.

Watch Video Highlights Here:

• Mbappé’s Opening Goal: Watch here
• Rodrygo’s Stunning Goal: Watch here
• Vinícius’ Penalty: Watch here

A Statement of Intent

This victory sends a clear message to Real Madrid’s rivals. With a cohesive attack led by Vinícius, Mbappé, and Rodrygo, and a solid defensive structure, Los Blancos look unstoppable.

Ancelotti’s latest triumph cements his legacy, while the team’s continued growth under his leadership hints at more silverware this season. For Real Madrid, the journey continues, and the possibilities seem endless.

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