Confirmed lineups: Real Madrid vs Pachuca Intercontinental Cup final

It’s worth noting that this competition should not be confused with the new 36-team format scheduled to take place at the end of the season.

As Champions League winners, Real Madrid secured an automatic spot in Wednesday's final. Pachuca, however, as winners of the CONCACAF Champions League, had to progress through earlier rounds.

The Mexican side exceeded expectations, cruising past Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo with a commanding 0-3 victory. Their semi-final against African champions Al Ahly proved more challenging, with Pachuca eventually triumphing in a penalty shootout.

Wednesday's final will mark the first-ever meeting between Real Madrid and Pachuca. Remarkably, the two sides are set to meet again in the group stage of the upcoming Club World Cup, which will be held in June and July 2025.

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela has been appointed to officiate the final, supported by his compatriot Juan Soto in the VAR booth. The match will take place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the same venue where, exactly two years ago to the day (18 December 2022), Argentina claimed the World Cup title in a dramatic penalty shootout against a French side featuring Mbappe, Tchouameni and Camavinga.

On the Madrid bench, Carlo Ancelotti has named goalkeepers Fran Gonzalez and Andriy Lunin, alongside outfield players Yusi Enriquez, Lorenzo, Vallejo, Asencio, Modric, Arda Guler, Ceballos, Brahim and Endrick.

The Italian coach has resolved two key selection dilemmas for the starting XI: Kylian Mbappe is included from the start, while Aurelien Tchouameni retains his position at centre-back.

Here is Real Madrid's confirmed starting XI: Courtois (GK); Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ruediger, Fran Garcia; Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe.

 

December 18, 2024