Mbappe shines in debut as Real Madrid beat Atalanta to win UEFA Super Cup

Mbappe shines in debut as Real Madrid beat Atalanta to win UEFA Super Cup

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Kylian Mbappe marked his Real Madrid debut with a crucial goal, helping his new team clinch a record sixth UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Wednesday in Warsaw.

After years of anticipation, the French superstar finally joined his dream club this summer following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. His long-awaited debut for Los Blancos was nothing short of spectacular, as he celebrated his first appearance with a decisive strike.

The match saw Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde open the scoring in the 59th minute. The Champions League holders capitalized on their mounting opportunities, with Valverde breaking the deadlock from close range after a resilient performance by the Italian Europa League winners in the first half.

As Madrid continued to dominate the field, Mbappe found the back of the net in the 68th minute. The goal came after Jude Bellingham expertly spotted Mbappe’s quick dart into space, setting up the French forward for a powerful finish that secured the win.

This triumph not only highlighted Mbappe’s impact but also marked a significant milestone for coach Carlo Ancelotti. The victory allowed Ancelotti to equal former Real Madrid coach Miguel Munoz, achieving a joint-record 14 titles with the club.

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Ancelotti’s challenge this season will be to design a system that maximizes the potential of his impressive roster of attacking talent. For this match, Mbappe played through the middle of Madrid’s forward line, flanked by Vinicius Junior on the left and Rodrygo Goes on the right, offering a glimpse into Ancelotti’s strategic plans for the season.

The game also saw England international Jude Bellingham adapting to a midfield role rather than the advanced position where he excelled last season. Despite a tight first half, Mbappe managed an early attempt on goal in the 15th minute, which was effectively blocked by Atalanta’s Isak Hien.

Atalanta, making their first Super Cup appearance after a stunning Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, came close to scoring when Eder Militao narrowly headed Marten de Roon’s cross over his own bar.

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, returning from a long injury spell, made a spectacular one-handed save early in the second half, denying a strong header from Mario Pasalic.

Valverde’s goal before the hour mark, assisted by Vinicius, showcased the depth of Madrid’s attacking prowess. Vinicius himself nearly doubled the lead, but his effort was tipped over by Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso. Despite continuous pressure from Madrid, including another block from Swedish defender Hien against Bellingham, it was Mbappe who eventually sealed the victory with a lethal finish after a well-coordinated effort from Bellingham.

As Mbappe left the field in the 83rd minute, he received a rapturous ovation from the Madrid faithful, undoubtedly the first of many such accolades to come. His performance not only fulfilled the dreams of Madrid supporters but also set the tone for a promising season ahead.

Mbappe shines in debut as Real Madrid beat Atalanta to win UEFA Super Cup