1 AM Clash: Real Madrid’s 11th Global Final—Victory Means a Title and $5 Million Prize

At 1 AM Beijing time on December 19, Real Madrid will face Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Doha, Qatar. This marks Real Madrid’s 11th appearance in a global final (combining the Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Club World Cup). A win would not only secure their second trophy of the season but also come with a $5 million prize.

Real Madrid’s Dominance in Global Finals

According to FIFA, this final represents Real Madrid’s 11th participation in a FIFA club competition final. From 1960 to 2022, Los Blancos have competed in five Intercontinental Cup finals, winning three. Between 2014 and 2022, Real Madrid reached five FIFA Club World Cup finals and emerged victorious in all of them. With three Intercontinental Cups and five Club World Cups in their trophy cabinet, Real Madrid stands as the undisputed king of global club football.

Chasing a Second Trophy of the Season

The 2024-25 season has already seen Real Madrid claim one piece of silverware. In August, they defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup, with Kylian Mbappé scoring on his debut to secure the title. As reigning UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid earned direct entry to the Intercontinental Cup final and now have the chance to clinch their second trophy of the season.

While FIFA has not officially announced the prize money for the Intercontinental Cup, reports suggest the winner will receive $5 million. The runner-up will take home $4 million, with lower prizes allocated to the remaining teams: $2.5 million for third place, $2 million for fourth, $1.5 million for fifth, and $1 million for sixth. With their trip to Qatar, Real Madrid is guaranteed at least $4 million, but the ultimate goal remains lifting the trophy.

Mbappé Returns to a Familiar Stage

For Kylian Mbappé, the Lusail Iconic Stadium holds bittersweet memories. It was here, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, that he delivered a historic hat trick for France against Argentina, securing the Golden Boot but falling short of the title. Two years later, Mbappé returns to the same venue, this time for another final. Determined not to let the trophy slip away again, the French superstar is expected to start after recovering from injury, as confirmed by sources like Spain’s La Sexta and AS.

Vinícius Jr.’s Post-Award Debut

Fresh off being crowned FIFA Men’s Player of the Year, Vinícius Jr. will make his first appearance since receiving the prestigious honor. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has expressed his confidence in the Brazilian star, stating, “I hope you lead Real Madrid to our second trophy of the season.”

Real Madrid’s Starting XI Set

There are no surprises in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup for this crucial match. The Italian tactician will field his strongest XI in a familiar 4-3-3 formation, blending experience and youth to maximize their chances of victory.

Expected Starting XI (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
• Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham
• Forwards: Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.

A Night of High Stakes

As Real Madrid prepares for their 11th global final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Victory would not only secure their place as champions of the Intercontinental Cup but also reinforce their status as the most successful club in the history of international football competitions. With $5 million on the line and their stars ready to shine, Los Blancos are poised to add another chapter to their legacy.