The French superstar scored the goal in the 68th minute to make it 2-0 (0-0) in the UEFA Supercup against Europa League winners Atalanta Bergamo. Federico Valverde had previously put the Champions League winners, who were playing without the injured ÖFB legionnaire David Alaba, in the lead in Warsaw (59th).
Real became the sole record winner with its sixth Super Cup title. Rivals Barcelona and AC Milan had each won the summit meeting of the European Cup winners five times. Since Atletico Madrid’s triumph against Real in 2018, the Champions League winner has always prevailed.
“A big problem”
Carlo Ancelotti was spoiled for choice in attack. “A big problem,” joked the Real coach. Thinking about who would play ruined his holidays. Against Atalanta, Mbappe played up front, flanked by the Brazilians Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Jude Bellingham played behind him. David Alaba is still in rehab after tearing his cruciate ligament in December, and a date for his return has not yet been set. The ÖFB legionnaire watched the game with his teammates from the bench.
After a manageable opening phase, debutant Mbappe had the first shot, but it was blocked (15th minute). Apart from that, Real struggled to create chances. Atalanta defended very high at times, but above all they were disciplined. The Italians almost managed to take the lead. Real defender Eder Militao deflected a sharp cross from Marten den Roon onto his own crossbar (25th minute). Shortly before half-time, Rodrygo hit the post on the other side (45th+1).
At the start of the second half, Thibaut Courtois had to distinguish himself for the first time. Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic forced the Real keeper to make a brilliant save with a header (47′). The Italians began to push hard, but Real nipped it in the bud with the opening goal. The lightning-fast Vinicius Jr. broke through on the left and Valverde only had to push the resulting cross pass over the line.
Shortly afterwards, Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham missed great chances, but the second goal was not long in coming. Bellingham served Mbappe in the backcourt, who crowned his debut with a shot into the top corner. In the final phase, a cross from Vinicius Jr. was almost deflected into the goal (82nd minute), otherwise Real left the game to Atalanta. The Italians were no longer in control, however.
