Kylian Mbappe made an impactful debut for Real Madrid, scoring to help his new team secure a record sixth UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Wednesday in Warsaw.
After years of anticipation, Mbappe finally joined his dream club this summer following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract. He celebrated his first appearance for Los Blancos with a goal.
Fede Valverde opened the scoring in the 59th minute, finishing from close range after Atalanta, the Europa League winners, had kept pace with the Champions League holders during the first half.
Real Madrid began creating more opportunities, and Mbappe sealed the win in the 68th minute with a powerful shot, assisted by Jude Bellingham’s clever pass into space.
The victory allowed coach Carlo Ancelotti to equal former Madrid coach Miguel Munoz’s record of 14 titles with the club. Ancelotti now faces the challenge of devising a system to maximize the potential of his star-studded attacking lineup.
Mbappe started as the central striker, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes flanking him on the wings. This formation also saw England international Jude Bellingham take a more traditional midfield role, rather than the advanced position where he had excelled last season.
Mbappe had a chance to score in the 15th minute, but his shot was blocked by Atalanta’s Isak Hien in a tight first half.
Atalanta, making their first Super Cup appearance after their stunning Europa League victory over Bayer Leverkusen, nearly took the lead when Eder Militao headed Marten de Roon’s cross just over his own bar.
Bellingham received a yellow card for a late challenge on Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso after an overextended touch following a clever pass from Vinicius.
Rodrygo clipped the top of the crossbar just before halftime after being set up by Vinicius.
Thibaut Courtois, returning after missing much of the previous season due to injury, made a spectacular one-handed save to deny Mario Pasalic’s header early in the second half.
Madrid finally broke the deadlock when Valverde tapped in from close range, with Atalanta’s defense distracted by Mbappe’s increased movement.
Bellingham, growing more influential, assisted Vinicius, who set up Valverde for the opener.
Vinicius nearly doubled the lead, but Musso made a crucial save. Hien also blocked Bellingham’s attempt, and Musso denied the midfielder again before Mbappe secured the victory with a precise finish.
Mbappe received a warm ovation from Madrid fans when he was substituted in the 83rd minute, likely the first of many such receptions to come.
