Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca: Match preview | OneFootball

After drawing against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid travel to Qatar to lock horns against Mexico’s CF Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final

Previously, this competition was held from 1960-2004. It is now being held for the first time since 2004, after being briefly replaced by the Club World Cup for some time.

According to the rules, the UCL winner receives a bye to the final – in this case, Real Madrid.

The European giants named a full fledged squad, barring the obvious absentees.

Defensively, it will be interesting to see whether Carlo Ancelotti takes a bold move of pairing Raul Asencio up with Antonio Rüdiger following a couple of average performances from Aurelien Tchouaméni as the centre-back.

The Italian manager is stacked with options in the midfield and with Vinicius and Rodrygo certain to start up front, expect Ancelotti to start with a three-man midfield.

Speaking of Mbappe’s situation, Ancelotti commented that the Frenchman felt good and if he continues to feel the same on match day, he would play. Otherwise, they will not take even the slightest of risks – because losing a player of his calibre will be a blow to Real Madrid.

Rodrygo’s return to form has made life easier for Ancelotti as the trio up front is beginning to slowly find its boots. Thus, Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz may have to start the game from the bench despite putting in some decent displays in the last few games.

Speaking of the opponents, CF Pachuca qualified for the final on the back of a convincing second round victory over Botafogo by 0-3 and a penalty shootout against Al-Ahly in the play offs.

They are yet to concede in two matches and have a great goalkeeper in Carlos Moreno who was also the Man of the Match against Al-Ahly.

Their captain Salomón Rondón boasts an experience of playing for clubs in Spain, Russia, England, China, and Argentina. The 35-year-old is a veteran striker and has experience of playing against some good defenders.

The Venezuelan player has scored 7 goals and assisted twice in 18 matches this season playing for the Mexican club.

Pachuca usually play a double pivot formation (4-2-3-1), with Rondon being the sole striker up front. They will not shy away from any challenge and can frustrate the opponents with their defending.

The trip to Qatar has already turned out to be a successful one for Madrid, with Vinicius winning the FIFA Men’s Best Player and Carlo Ancelotti winning the Best Coach Award.

The Merengues have won the Intercontinental Cup thrice and the best way to cap off a trip to Qatar is by winning it the 4th time at the Lusail Stadium.