Real Madrid Wins U20 Intercontinental Cup Final with Record Attendance, Surpassing Flamengo
Real Madrid was crowned champion of the U20 Intercontinental Cup this Saturday, following a 3-1 victory over Santiago Wanderers. The final, held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, drew a crowd of 52,000 spectators, including the notable presence of the first-team coach, José Mourinho. This event marks a significant moment, as it was the first time the competition’s final – played annually between the European and South American champions in this category since 2022 – took place on European soil.
The crowd present this Saturday not only witnessed the Spanish team’s triumph but also set a new attendance record for U20 world finals. With 52,000 people, the Bernabéu surpassed the 45,000 present at the clash between Flamengo and Barcelona the previous year, breaking the record previously held by the Maracanã.
Tournament History
Flamengo, incidentally, holds the record for most titles in the competition, with two victories, both celebrated at home.
In 2024, the Rio de Janeiro club lifted the trophy after defeating Olympiacos 2-1. In the previous edition, the victory over Barcelona came after a hard-fought penalty shootout. The tournament’s history also records Benfica’s title, who overcame Peñarol at the Estadio Centenario, and Boca Juniors, champions in 2023 at La Bombonera against AZ Alkmaar.
Flamengo’s Tormentor in the U20 Copa Libertadores
Santiago Wanderers, the Chilean team that faced Real Madrid in the final, reached the Intercontinental Cup after winning the U20 Copa Libertadores in March. On that occasion, the team defeated Flamengo itself in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw in the final.
The Decisive Match
During the final against Real Madrid, Santiago Wanderers showed visible nervousness, culminating in the expulsion of three of their players. The first to be sent off was Dubó, still in the first half, for a hard tackle on Yanes. Curiously, the resulting free kick led to Real Madrid’s first goal, scored by the No. 7 at 29 minutes.
The Chilean team managed to equalize early in the second half, with Christian Silva capitalizing on a Real Madrid turnover. However, the Spanish advantage was restored at 36 minutes, with a goal from Santamaría. After suffering two more expulsions, Wanderers saw the score extended by Roberto Martín, who sealed the 3-1 victory at 54 minutes into the second half, securing Real Madrid’s win.
Real Madrid’s triumph not only adds another trophy to the club’s collection but also sets a new benchmark in terms of attendance for the U20 tournament. The record crowd at the Bernabéu, surpassing the previous mark set by Flamengo, demonstrates the growing interest and importance this competition is gaining in the international youth football scene.
Equipe M360
