By Samuel A August 15, 2024
The current reigning Champions of Europe, Real Madrid added to their massive trophy cabinet by beating Serie A side Atalanta 2-0 to win the UEFA Super Cup.
Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid career could not have gotten off to a better start as well, with the French forward scoring a crucial goal, showing the Los Blancos fans exactly what they have been waiting so many years for, after years of humiliation by the player’s camp and his former club, who had blatantly rejected any talks over a transfer.
If it wasn’t PSG outright rejecting offers, it was Mbappe suggesting he would sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022 and then changing his mind at the last moment. Perez and Real Madrid felt played, yet uncharacteristically they refused to close the door to the World Cup winner, believing that he would eventually don the famous white shirt. So finally, it proved “meant to be”, with Real Madrid and Mbappe easing to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday evening.
Despite the brilliant individual talent on display, it took the Spanish champions until the 59th minute to break the deadlock, with Atalanta having held firm for much of the first half, even forcing Thibaut Courtois into some smart saves, and even one spectacular save from Pasalic’s header at the start of the 2nd half.
Federico Valverde was able to fire the ball into the back of the net from close range after receiving a pass from Vinicius Jr.
Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. then forced impressive saves out of Juan Musso as the Spanish side upped the pressure, seemingly set free by the relief of getting their opening goal.
It was to be Mbappe who took all the headlines, though, opening his Real Madrid account in the 68th minute by lashing onto Jude Bellingham’s pass and fizzling it right to the top right corner.
Jude Bellingham provided some exceptional composure on the ball, breaking into the penalty area, all before sliding the ball across the box to the Frenchman, who was able to fire a beautiful shot into the top right corner of the net, perhaps signaling a partnership with the English midfielder that is going to bring Los Blancos an awful lot of joy this term.
The Los Blancos start their LA Liga campaign against Mallorca this weekend in their quest to defend the title.
