Tribune News Network
Doha
The iconic Lusail Stadium will once again come alive with some fantastic football when Spanish giants Real Madrid, also the reigning UEFA Champions League winners and Europe’s most decorated football club, will take on Mexican side CF Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 final at 8pm on Wednesday – Qatar’s National Day.
The event will also see special activities to mark the two-year anniversary of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final staged at the Lusail Stadium between Argentina and France.
The clash between the star-studded Real Madrid and Pachuca is sure to charge up atmospehere with a fascinating contest.
Real Madrid’s illustrious squad, led by the distinguished manager Carlo Ancelotti, includes icons such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, and other world-class football talent.
Leading Pachuca will be their captain Salomon Rondon who has combined top-level ability with an incredible work ethic throughout Pachuca’s time in Qatar and will look to lead from the front against the Los Merengues.
Also key for Pachuca will be their star goalkeeper Carlos Moreno without whom Pachuca probably wouldn’t have reached the final. Moreno was excellent in normal time versus Al Ahly in the FIFA Challenger Cup and made a decisive stop in the shootout.
Addressing the media on the eve of match, Real Madrid coach Ancelotti said, “We are very excited to be here because we obviously did well. It’s a gift, as it is for Pachuca. We are very excited and we will try to win it taking into account the difficulties. The excitement of the moment is to be here.”
On how he viewed the final, Ancelotti said, “Every game is a trap. If Pachuca has made it this far, it must be something. We must respect them for what they are and for the quality they have. A final is always a special emotion and a concern before the game. We must prepare the team well.
“We watched Pachuca’s game against Botafogo and Al Ahly. It has its characteristics, for them it will be a very important game. They have a very clear system, they are a very dynamic team. I expect an entertaining game.”
On Mbappe’s role in the final, the coach said, “Kylian’s situation is simple: he trained yesterday and felt good. Today will be important and he has to evaluate his feelings. If he is well he will play, but if there is even the slightest risk he will not. His feelings yesterday were very good and we are optimistic.
“Mbappe is a fantastic player and I think he hasn’t reached his best level yet, although he has been at a good level in the last 2-3 games. He can play in any of the positions up front, he plays wherever I put him and with his quality he can play wherever I want.”
Real Madrid’s star midfielder Jude Bellingham said his team is seeking another title. “It’s a pleasure to be able to play in another final, and it’s a very important match for us because we can win another title and extend this club’s world record. Hopefully, we can win another title tomorrow.”
He added on his being a leader in the team: “There are many leaders in the locker room and they chose me today for this press conference. There are many players in the locker room who are leaders and leaders, but the most important thing is that we respect each other, delegate responsibility and trust each other. I have the ability to lead as the whole team does.”
Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada said it’s a final and no matter what his team will put out their best.
He said, “We’re coming into the game with a heavy load of matches and we’ve played a lot in different tournaments. We’ve been trying to inject intensity into our game by refreshing certain aspects. It’s been going well for us and we hope to continue on this path.
“It ‘s a final, and no matter who we’re up against... Real Madrid are one of the most recognised brands in the world. The most publicised. There are always rivals that provoke certain feelings, and without a doubt, a team of this calibre is one of them.”
On his message to players, he said, “This is football. We must believe in both the collective and the individual. We are playing on the same pitch. It is not history that is at stake, but the two teams that day. We will try to take advantage of our strengths. We want to defend our dream and compete against Real Madrid.”
Predicted line-ups
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
Pachuca: Carlos Moreno, Bryan Gonzalez, Gustavo Cabral, Luis Rodriguez, Andres Micolta, Pedro Pedraza, Arturo Gonzalez, Alan Bautista, Elias Montiel, Oussama Idrissi, Salomon Rondon.
