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The difference in squad value highlights a significant gap between the two teams competing for the 2024 Intercontinental Cup. Real Madrid and Pachuca will face off on Wednesday to determine the champion. On paper, Real Madrid are the clear favorites, with some of the biggest stars in world football in their lineup. In contrast, Pachuca may not have high-profile names, but their squad features a blend of experienced players and talented young talents.

To provide a clearer comparison, we examine the market value of players from both teams (according to Transfermarkt).

Thibaut Courtois vs. Carlos Moreno
At 32, Courtois is considered by many as the best goalkeeper in the world and has played a crucial role in Real Madrid's recent Champions League victories. Moreno, at 26, has shown impressive form in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup but faces his toughest test yet against Madrid’s world-class attackers.

• Thibaut Courtois Market Value: $26.2 million
• 2024/25 Season: 19 games, 19 goals allowed
• Carlos Moreno Market Value: $2.1 million
• 2024/25 Season: 20 games, 29 goals allowed

Lucas Vázquez vs. Luis Rodríguez
Both players, 33 years old, bring a wealth of experience to the pitch. Vázquez, a Real Madrid youth product, has been with the club since 2015, while Rodríguez, known as 'Chaka,' has been a key figure at Tigres and in Mexican football since 2010.

• Lucas Vázquez Market Value: $4.1 million
• 2024/25 Season: 20 games, 2 goals, 1 assist
• Luis Rodríguez Market Value: $630,000
• 2024/25 Season: 18 games, 0 goals, 0 assists

Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Gustavo Cabral
Tchouaméni, typically a midfielder, has been pressed into service as a central defender due to injuries, while Cabral, at 39, remains a defensive leader for Pachuca despite his age.

• Aurélien Tchouaméni Market Value: $104.9 million
• 2024/25 Season: 19 games, 0 goals, 0 assists
• Gustavo Cabral Market Value: $314,900
• 2024/25 Season: 15 games, 0 goals, 0 assists

Antonio Rüdiger vs. Andrés Micolta
Rüdiger, a key center-back for Madrid, has been vital to Ancelotti's defense, while Micolta, 25, is an emerging player for Pachuca, showing potential in the defensive line.

• Antonio Rüdiger Market Value: $26.2 million
• 2024/25 Season: 24 games, 2 goals, 0 assists
• Andrés Micolta Market Value: $2.1 million
• 2024/25 Season: 8 games, 0 goals, 0 assists

Fran García vs. Bryan González
García, a Real Madrid youth product, has become a starter at left-back, while González, a promising talent at Pachuca, could make a big impression against Madrid.

• Fran García Market Value: $15.7 million
• 2024/25 Season: 19 games, 0 goals, 0 assists
• Bryan González Market Value: $4.1 million
• 2024/25 Season: 19 games, 0 goals, 2 assists

Federico Valverde vs. Elías Montiel
Valverde, 26, is one of the world's top midfielders, known for his versatility and stamina. Montiel, 19, has made a name for himself with Pachuca and has a bright future ahead.

• Federico Valverde Market Value: $136.4 million
• 2024/25 Season: 24 games, 5 goals, 2 assists
• Elías Montiel Market Value: $3.2 million
• 2024/25 Season: 16 games, 1 goal, 1 assist

Eduardo Camavinga vs. Pedro Pedraza
Camavinga, 22, has gained Ancelotti's trust with his performances, though injuries have limited his appearances. Pedraza has been a regular in Pachuca’s midfield, contributing both offensively and defensively.

• Eduardo Camavinga Market Value: $104.9 million
• 2024/25 Season: 10 games, 0 goals, 1 assist
• Pedro Pedraza Market Value: $3.1 million
• 2024/25 Season: 15 games, 0 goals, 1 assist

Jude Bellingham vs. Alan Bautista
Bellingham, one of the top players globally, is central to Madrid's hopes of winning the Intercontinental Cup. Bautista, a breakout star from Pachuca's youth system, has impressed fans and could rise to prominence with a standout performance.

• Jude Bellingham Market Value: $188.9 million
• 2024/25 Season: 20 games, 7 goals, 6 assists
• Alan Bautista Market Value: $2.09 million
• 2024/25 Season: 16 games, 1 goal, 0 assists

Rodrygo vs. Arturo González
Rodrygo has been one of Real Madrid's most effective offensive players, while González has rediscovered his form with Pachuca and will be key in generating attacks for the team.

• Rodrygo Market Value: $115.4 million
• 2024/25 Season: 19 games, 4 goals, 3 assists
• Arturo González Market Value: $2.1 million
• 2024/25 Season: 14 games, 2 goals, 0 assists

Vinícius Jr. vs. Oussama Idrissi
Vinícius Jr., one of the best players of the 2023-24 season, will be a major threat to Pachuca’s defense. Idrissi, Pachuca’s most talented player, comes off a great performance against Botafogo and will be looking to make an impact on the international stage.

• Vinícius Jr. Market Value: $209.9 million
• 2024/25 Season: 20 games, 13 goals, 9 assists
• Oussama Idrissi Market Value: $7.3 million
• 2024/25 Season: 21 games, 4 goals, 4 assists

Kylian Mbappé vs. Solomon Rondón
Mbappé, though not yet fully meeting expectations at Madrid, remains one of the best forwards globally. Rondón, Pachuca's primary striker, has been a clinical finisher for his team.

• Kylian Mbappé Market Value: $188.9 million
• 2024/25 Season: 22 games, 12 goals, 2 assists
• Salomón Rondón Market Value: $839,800
• 2024/25 Season: 18 games, 7 goals, 2 assists