Who: Real Madrid vs Pachuca
What: FIFA Intercontinental Cup final
Where: Lusail Stadium, Doha, Qatar
When: 8pm (17:00 GMT) on Wednesday December 18
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European champions Real Madrid will target a record-extending sixth global crown when they enter the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Mexican side Pachuca in the final to be played in Qatar on Wednesday.
The Champions League holders and Europe’s most successful club side were granted direct qualification to the tournament’s showpiece finale as UEFA’s continental champions.
Pachuca are the underdogs – but they have capped off a brilliant 12-month run of form with an impressive performance in Doha.
The newly branded Intercontinental competition has replaced the FIFA Club World Cup and will be held annually for the six continental champions as part of FIFA’s new global club competition format. The Club World Cup has now expanded to 32 of the finest club teams from around the world and will be held every four years.
As winners of the CONCACAF Continental Cup (for teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean confederation), Pachuca’s chances of victory against Real Madrid are not to be dismissed lightly.
Their 3-0 takedown of Botafogo on Thursday in the Derby of the Americas was a shock outcome with the Brazilian giants favourites heading into the match.
No less impressive was Pachuca’s victory on penalties against African powerhouse Al Ahly in the last round to lift the Challenger Cup, sealing the Mexican club’s best ever result in a FIFA tournament.
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