KYLIAN Mbappé had an impressive Real Madrid CF debut as they defeated Atalanta BC, 2-0, to rule the 2024 UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in the Philippines) at the National Stadium Warsaw in Warsaw, Poland.
Mbappé, who transferred to Real Madrid from the Paris Saint-Germain FC last July, made his presence felt for his new football club with a conversion in the 68th minute.
“It was a great night, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Mbappé said in a post-game interview. “To play with this shirt, with this badge, for these fans, it’s a gift for me.”
“Everyone knows how much playing for Real Madrid means to me. It just feels incredible,” the French booter added. “You say Real Madrid, you say trophies. It’s the best club in the world.”
Both teams struggled to get their points in the first half before Atalanta had a chance courtesy of a header attempt by Mario Pašalić, but it was tipped aside by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid, the reigning Spanish La Liga champion, took a 1-0 advantage in the 59th minute as Federico Valverde tapped home a cross from Vinícius Jr.
The lead was doubled 11 minutes later as Mbappé met a pass from Jude Bellingham across the penalty area with a shot into the top corner in the 68th minute.
“He is inevitable,” Bellingham said of Mbappé. “It’s a big step for him – people have been talking about him coming here for a long time — and it feels like he’s been here for a while.”
Real Madrid’s victory also marked a significant achievement for head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has now won a joint-record 14 titles with the club, including six UEFA Super Cup.
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual one-game encounter between the UEFA Champions League winners (Real Madrid) and the UEFA Europa League champions (Atalanta)./PN
