Real Madrid extend sensational finals record in Intercontinental Cup
Carlo Ancelotti’s team defeated Pachuca to secure the 2024 Intercontinental Cup, further asserting their dominance in international finals.
On Wednesday, the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final took place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where Real Madrid defeated CF Pachuca 3-0, enhancing their superb international finals record. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, the LaLiga giants secured their third international final victory of 2024.
After defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final and winning the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta by the same scoreline, Los Blancos captured their ninth Intercontinental Cup/Club World Cup title.
Madrid’s previous Intercontinental and Club World Cup successes
Their previous victories in the two competitions include triumphs over Peñarol (5-1) in 1960, Vasco da Gama (2-1) in 1998, Olimpia (2-0) in 2002, San Lorenzo (2-0) in 2014, Kashima Antlers (4-2) in 2016, Grêmio (1-0) in 2017, Al Ain (4-1) in 2018, Al Hilal (5-3) in 2022, and now Pachuca (3-0) in 2024.
Remarkably, out of Real Madrid’s last 21 international finals, they have lost only one: the 2018 UEFA Super Cup against Atlético Madrid. Since then, the Spanish powerhouse has won seven consecutive finals, including two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups, and now one Intercontinental Cup.
Interestingly, Real Madrid’s 2024 Intercontinental Cup final against a Mexican club brings to mind their last loss to a non-European team: the 2000 Intercontinental Cup against Boca Juniors. Martín Palermo’s double saw the Argentine side triumph 2-1 against Vicente del Bosque’s Madrid in Tokyo.
Real Madrid’s opponents in European finals in the 21st century
Champions League
In the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid have contested seven finals in the 21st century, winning them all: Bayer Leverkusen (2-1) in 2001-02, Atlético Madrid (4-1 in extra time) in 2013-14, Atlético Madrid (5-3 on penalties) again in 2015-16, Juventus (4-1) in 2016-17, Liverpool (3-1) in 2017-18, Liverpool (1-0) again in 2021-22, and Dortmund (2-0) in 2023-24.
UEFA Super Cup
In the UEFA Super Cup, their victories include: Feyenoord (3-1) in 2002, Sevilla (2-0) in 2014, Sevilla (3-2 in extra time) again in 2016, Manchester United (2-1) in 2017, Eintracht Frankfurt (2-0) in 2022, and Atalanta (2-0) in 2024.
These add to their already impressive record in the Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup, showcasing Real Madrid’s dominance in international competitions.
Original article written by Diego Mayel Ibarra, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.
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