Mbappé's Injury and the Road to the Final

Real Madrid's clash with Pachuca in the final of the Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday, held in Lusail, Qatar, has generated significant buzz, especially concerning Kylian Mbappé's participation. The French superstar, nursing a left-thigh injury sustained during a Champions League match against Atalanta, has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation. The new format of the tournament—a direct consequence of FIFA's expansion of the Club World Cup for 2025—pits the champions from all six continental soccer confederations against each other annually. Real Madrid earned their place directly as European champions, while Pachuca fought valiantly through the preliminary rounds, overcoming South American champions Botafogo and Egypt's Al Ahly to reach this final showdown in Qatar.

Mbappé's Recovery and Ancelotti's Optimism

Mbappé's injury raised serious doubts about his availability. His absence from Real Madrid's 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano fueled this concern. However, recent reports suggest a positive outlook. Mbappé has resumed full training with the squad. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism regarding Mbappé's fitness for the final, despite other key players remaining sidelined due to injuries, including Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy. The return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from a muscle injury adds a boost to the team’s morale. To bolster their numbers, Ancelotti has even called up several players from the club's youth squads. Real Madrid's rich history in the competition, with three Intercontinental Cup titles (1960, 1998, and 2002) and five Club World Cup victories (2014, 2016, 2017-18, and 2022), only adds to the anticipation. Currently holding the third position in the Spanish league, a win here would significantly uplift their season.

The Decision

According to Marca, Kylian Mbappé himself confirmed his availability for the final. Despite missing the match against Rayo Vallecano, he reportedly feels fully recovered and ready to take on Pachuca. The initial discomfort was felt during the Atalanta match, with initial tests confirming the injury. However, subsequent reports pointed towards a speedy recovery, keeping Mbappé's participation a real possibility. This Tuesday morning, Mbappé held discussions with the medical staff, the recovery team, and coach Ancelotti, assuring them of his full recovery. A final fitness test during a training session at the Lusail Iconic Stadium — the same venue where Argentina lifted the World Cup in 2022, a tournament where Mbappé was a key figure for France — will determine his starting spot.

Real Madrid's Tactical Choices and Lineup Predictions

The 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano has left Ancelotti with tactical decisions to make. The return of Vinícius Júnior from rest—he is suspended for the upcoming match against Sevilla—is a significant addition. This might allow Ancelotti to deploy a 4-4-2 system, similar to the one employed in much of 2023-24, with Jude Bellingham operating in a flexible role between Vinícius and Rodrygo Goes. The presence of Mbappé, who despite his recovery might not start, provides a valuable attacking option from the bench. Mendy’s absence due to injury, leaving Fran García at left-back, is a blow. Long-term injuries to Carvajal, Alaba, and Militão further constrain Ancelotti's defensive options. Ancelotti is expected to maintain his trust in Lucas Vázquez at right-back and Aurélien Tchouameni in central defense alongside Antonio Rüdiger. This is a significant defensive consideration for the match.

The Youth Squad's Role

In a surprising inclusion, Ancelotti has traveled with five players from Castilla, Real Madrid's reserve team. Raúl Asencio is a familiar face, but Fran González, Youssef Enriquez, Lorenzo Aguado, and Víctor Muñoz are still awaiting their first-team debuts. Gonzalo García, another Castilla player, made his debut last season and provides additional squad depth. The incorporation of these young players highlights the squad depth that Real Madrid has and signifies the potential that Real Madrid has for the future.

The Final Showdown: Pachuca's Challenge and Real Madrid's Prospects

Pachuca, having earned their place by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup and overcoming Botafogo and Al Ahly in the semi-final, pose a considerable challenge. This will be the first competitive encounter between these two clubs. The game's location—the Lusail Stadium in Qatar—adds another layer of intrigue. Real Madrid's objective is to secure their first Intercontinental Cup title in this tournament's inaugural year. While Mbappé's presence adds a layer of excitement, Ancelotti's strategic choices, the team's overall fitness, and Pachuca's resilience will undoubtedly determine the final outcome. The anticipation for this match is immense and the possibility for the unexpected is high.

Awaiting the Final Whistle: A New Chapter in Real Madrid's Legacy

The Intercontinental Cup final presents a unique opportunity for Real Madrid. A victory would not only add another trophy to their impressive collection, but also mark a significant milestone in the club's history. The presence of Kylian Mbappé, whether as a starter or substitute, significantly enhances the spectacle. But beyond individual brilliance, the team's collective strength, tactical acumen, and ability to overcome challenges will be the true deciding factors. Ultimately, the final whistle will decide who takes home the trophy. We eagerly await the final result and the reaction from the Real Madrid supporters.