Facing Pachuca in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup final, Real Madrid shone thanks to an exceptional sequence of play between Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr, and Kylian Mbappé before halftime. After a complicated start marked by Pachuca's combative players, Real Madrid finally found the opening at the 39th minute.
Carlo Ancelotti's team, although dominant in possession, struggled to penetrate the Mexicans' grouped defense until then. The spark came from Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, the Merengues' true playmaker this season, delivered a precise pass into the gap to find Vinícius Jr on the left side of the box.
The Brazilian winger, faithful to his explosive style, chained a double step-over before a devastating hook that left Carlos Agustín Moreno in place. Vinícius' ability to destabilize opposing defenses once again made the difference. With a clever feint, he created the perfect opening to pass to Mbappé.
Well-positioned, the French striker scored. This goal allowed Real Madrid to take a psychological advantage over Pachuca.