Kylian Mbapp made an impressive debut for Real Madrid, scoring a goal and winning a trophy. The French captain donned the famous white jersey of the Spanish champions for the first time in a competitive match, contributing to a 2-0 triumph over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
Playing 82 minutes at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Mbappe showcased his skills by receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham and firing a shot into the top corner of the net in the 68th minute. This successful debut sealed his status as a remarkable player, leaving a lasting impression on both teammates and spectators.
“He is inevitable,” Bellingham commented on Mbappé’s performance. “It’s a big step for him. People have been talking about him coming here for a long time, and it feels like he’s been here for a while.”
Celebrating his goal in his trademark fashion by crossing his arms in front of his chest, Mbappé was greeted by his fellow Madrid strikers, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. This star-studded attacking trio has the potential to send shockwaves through European soccer in the upcoming season.
Federico Valverde ensured a strong start for Madrid by tapping in a cross from Vinicius in the 59th minute. This victory secured the Spanish side’s sixth triumph in the Super Cup, an annual match between the Champions League winners, Madrid, and the Europa League champions, Atalanta.
With a record 15 European Cup titles and a history of enthralling players, Madrid continuously sets high standards. Mbappé has undeniably joined the ranks of these remarkable players, fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for the world’s top soccer club after departing Paris Saint-Germain following a protracted transfer saga.
Assigned the number 9 shirt at Madrid, Mbappé initially struggled as the team’s central striker. However, he displayed his versatility and effectiveness by shifting to a wider position in the second half, impressing the crowd with his agility and technical skills.
“We have a new-look team, and it seemed to just click tonight,” Bellingham acknowledged. “Sometimes it takes a bit of time – the first half, we were still adjusting, and the second half, it all came together, and we were brilliant.”
Although Vinicius and Bellingham, vital players in Madrid’s victorious campaigns in the Champions League and La Liga last season, stood out in this match, the whole team eventually overwhelmed Atalanta after a balanced first half that saw both sides hit the crossbar.
Madrid defender Eder Militao accidentally struck the crossbar, while Rodrygo also grazed the woodwork just before halftime.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted, “At one point, the game was within our reach.” Nonetheless, Madrid took control in the second half, and Vinicius operated effectively as a central attacking presence.
Ancelotti may take some time to find the ideal formula in the attacking line-up as Brazilian striker Endrick, a summer signing like Mbappé, didn’t even get a chance to play. However, this presents an enviable dilemma for the Italian coach.
“The most difficult thing, what we are looking for, is finding balance in the team with the quality we have up front,” Ancelotti stated. “If we are able to do this, we can have a very good season. We have a fantastic squad, to be honest.”
Luka Modric, the 38-year-old Croatian legend, was among the five second-half substitutes for Madrid. He proudly lifted the trophy amid a shower of gold confetti, while Mbappé danced and celebrated beside him before getting his hands on the coveted hardware.
Bellingham expressed his admiration for Mbappé, saying, “I thought he was amazing before, and now you get a chance to play with him, you see the details up closer – the speed, the quality, the work without the ball, the way he is as a leader, the way he communicates. I can’t speak highly enough of him, really.”
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