The Galacticos claimed their second trophy of the 2024/25 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over CF Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the first half, with Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Jr. adding second-half goals to secure a straightforward win for the Spanish and European champions. This triumph marks Real Madrid’s ninth Intercontinental Cup (formerly known as the Club World Cup), further cementing their dominance in the tournament’s history.
The victory also solidifies Ancelotti’s legacy as Real Madrid’s most successful manager, with 15 trophies amassed over his two tenures at the Santiago Bernabéu. After the UEFA Super Cup triumph in August, the iconic Italian coach had equaled Miguel Muñoz’s record of 14 titles. However, the Intercontinental Cup win now places Ancelotti alone at the summit of the club’s managerial achievements.
Ancelotti’s illustrious haul includes three UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns, two Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Rey trophies, three UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and now the Intercontinental Cup.
“I’m very happy. It’s a success,” Ancelotti said after the win over Pachuca. “We took control little by little and ended the game well. We have those differences of quality always, but we also have to show the right attitude. Today, in the end, I liked that. In the end, upfront, we made the difference … In attack, we did well. We have a lot of quality, Kylian [Mbappé] played a good game, and Rodrygo scored. We’re happy.”
🚨BREAKING: Carlo Ancelotti wins his 15th title and becomes the manager with most trophies in REAL MADRID HISTORY!
G.O.A.T pic.twitter.com/FDex1oGNyg
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) December 18, 2024
Ancelotti holds the unique record of being the only manager to clinch league titles in all of Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues: Spain with Real Madrid, Italy with AC Milan, Germany with Bayern Munich, England with Chelsea, and France with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italian’s next opportunity to expand his trophy collection will come in January when Real Madrid competes in the Spanish Supercopa in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid is set to face Mallorca in the semifinal on January 9, with the potential to meet either rivals Barcelona or Athletic Club in the final on January 12.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
