Real Madrid will face Mexican side Pachuca in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, which will take place in Qatar on Wednesday night.
The competition has replaced the previous version of the FIFA Club World Cup. and is made up of the six winners of the continental Champions League (or equivalent), with Madrid taking part in the main event this week.
As winners of the European Champions League, Madrid They were always guaranteed a place in the final, but the first round play-off was played back in September, when Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates defeated Auckland City of New Zealand 6-2.
Egypt’s Al Ahly defeated Al Ain in the second round at the end of October, while Brazilian Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo were thrashed by Pachuca last Wednesday.
That set up a semi-final between Al Ahly and Pachuca on Saturday, which would determine who would face Madrid in the final at the Lusail Stadium.
After a goalless draw between regulation time and extra time, it was Mexico’s Pachuca who triumphed 6-5 on penalties to reach the final against Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Madrid have previously faced several Mexican clubs in competitive matches, but this will be the first meeting against Pachuca. Both parties also participate in The renewed FIFA Club World Cup next summer in the United States.
Los Blancos face Pachuca on Wednesday night before returning to La Liga action against Sevilla on December 22 in their final match of the calendar year.
