Mbappe’s dream debut as Real Madrid lift Super Cup
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates with the trophy after winning the Super Cup against Atalanta in a match played at National Stadium, Warsaw, Poland on August 14, 2024. Photo Reuters
Kylian Mbappe made an impressive start to his Real Madrid career by scoring a debut goal, helping his team secure a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. Mbappe doubled Real Madrid's lead by firing a shot into the top corner from Jude Bellingham's pass.
Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence in the limitless potential he and Real Madrid have together after scoring on his debut against Atalanta, helping the club secure a record sixth UEFA Super Cup.
The French captain completed his long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid this summer, following a highly successful tenure at Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite having only resumed training just over a week prior, PSG's all-time leading goalscorer needed less than 70 minutes to make his mark for his new team, delivering a clinical finish that ensured a victorious start and added yet another trophy to Real Madrid's collection.
Man-of-the-match Jude Bellingham commented on Mbappe's performance, saying, "Before the game, we didn't even talk about whether he would score, we just expected it to happen." He praised Mbappe as a player who consistently delivers for his team, noting that he did so once again.
Mbappe, who scored 44 goals for Paris Saint-Germain last season, won his first European trophy with Real Madrid after previously winning seven Ligue 1 titles with PSG and Monaco. His closest previous attempt at European glory was in the 2019-20 season, when PSG finished as runners-up in the Champions League.
The victory also marked a significant achievement for Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who matched Miguel Munoz's record of 14 major trophies with the club.
Real Madrid's performance improved in the second half, with Thibaut Courtois making crucial saves and Vinicius Jr. assisting Federico Valverde for the opening goal. Mbappe sealed the win with his debut goal, and while Real Madrid continued to dominate, a third goal eluded them.
The match hinted at the potential for even greater performances from the team as the season progresses.