Mbappe Scores on Debut as Real Madrid Secures Record Sixth UEFA Super Cup with 2-0 Win Over Atalanta
Kylian Mbappe marked his debut for Real Madrid with a goal, leading his new team to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in Warsaw on Wednesday, clinching a record sixth UEFA Super Cup.
The French superstar had long dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, and after joining Los Blancos this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, he celebrated his first game with a goal.
Fede Valverde broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, scoring from close range after the Italian Europa League winners had held their own in the first half.
Madrid began to create more opportunities, and Mbappe sealed the win with a powerful shot in the 68th minute, set up by Jude Bellingham who had spotted his run into the box.
The win also saw coach Carlo Ancelotti match former Real Madrid coach Miguel Munoz’s record of 14 titles with the club.
Ancelotti’s initial challenge this season is to devise a strategy that optimally utilizes his attacking talents.
In his first appearance, Mbappe played centrally in Madrid’s forward line, with Vinicius Junior on the left and Rodrygo Goes on the right, giving a glimpse of how he might fit into Ancelotti’s plans.
As a result, England’s Bellingham was positioned in the midfield trio rather than the advanced role where he had been so effective last season.
Mbappe’s only opportunity in a tight first half came in the 15th minute, but his shot from the box was blocked by Isak Hien.
Atalanta, making their Super Cup debut after winning the Europa League last season, nearly took the lead when Eder Militao headed Marten de Roon’s cross against his bar.
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Bellingham was booked for a late challenge on Atalanta’s goalkeeper Juan Musso after a heavy touch while controlling a pass from Vinicius.
Just before halftime, Rodrygo’s shot, set up by Vinicius, clipped the top of Atalanta’s crossbar.
Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had a lengthy injury layoff last season, made a remarkable one-handed save to deny a header from Mario Pasalic early in the second half.
Madrid broke the deadlock just before the hour mark with Valverde’s close-range goal, while Atalanta’s defense was preoccupied with Mbappe’s movement.
Bellingham, growing increasingly influential, passed to Vinicius, who delivered the ball across for Valverde to score.
Vinicius missed a chance to double Madrid’s lead when Musso saved his effort.
Hien blocked a shot from Bellingham as Madrid sought a second goal, and Musso later denied Bellingham again.
Mbappe finally delivered the second goal with a clinical finish after Bellingham kept the play alive and found the Frenchman’s intelligent positioning.
The striker received a warm ovation from Madrid fans when Ancelotti substituted him in the 83rd minute, likely the first of many such moments.
Mbappe Scores on Debut as Real Madrid Secures Record Sixth UEFA Super Cup with 2-0 Win Over Atalanta
