Real Madrid are UEFA Super Cup champions again, moving ahead of rivals Barcelona with a sixth victory in the competition’s history.
After a tepid first half, Real Madrid turned on the style after half-time and produced two quickfire goals to take the game out of Atalanta’s grasp. Federico Valverde tapped home the first with half-an-hour to play and Mbappe got the debut goal he was dreaming of shortly afterwards.
Before a ball had even been kicked, Mbappe was already stealing headlines. The Frenchman was named in the Real Madrid starting lineup by Carlo Ancelotti for the first time, marking his official and long-awaited debut for Los Blancos.
He wasn’t the only superstar rocking white, either.
Seeing a Real Madrid starting line-up with Mbappé in it feels surreal. To make it even better, the team around him is absolutely insane as well. What a time to be a Madridista. https://t.co/siKNFK3SWt
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) August 14, 2024
REAL MADRID’S FIRST FRONT THREE OF THE SEASON 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ePYhD2OkZt
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 14, 2024
Rudiger when Mbappe scores his first Real Madrid goal tonight
— Not Python (@notpythonn) August 14, 2024
Despite no shots on target for either side in the first half in Warsaw, Rodrygo did have a glorious opportunity to put Real Madrid ahead seconds before the half-time whistle.
Found by Vinicius Junior in the penalty area, he let fly at goal from 12 yards but his strike cannoned off the top of the crossbar. The Brazilian should have done better.
Rodrygo crossbar challenge has started, how on earth did he miss that
— zain (@ThatUlisse) August 14, 2024
Rodrygo, how do you miss that 😭
— MadridShowYo (@MadridShowYo) August 14, 2024
Atalanta then tested Thibaut Courtois just two minutes after the break with a fine header from Mario Pasalic. The Belgian goalkeeper produced a sharp save to keep Los Blancos level.
WHAT. A. SAVE. 🧤
Thibaut Courtois denies Atalanta taking the lead with a fingertip save!
📺 Watch live on @tntsports and @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/vE1jVDmCps
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 14, 2024
Insane save Courtois 🫡
— 𝚂. (@cric_shub41) August 14, 2024
Courtois’ remarkable save proved even more important ten minutes later as Real Madrid took the lead through Valverde. The midfielder tapped home from three yards out after a truly sensational run and pass by Vinicius.
There’s no stopping Vinicius Jr in that position 😮💨
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