Sports

Mbappe scores on debut as Madrid beat Atalanta to win UEFA Super Cup

France forward Kylian Mbappe scored a goal on his Real Madrid debut to help his new side claim a record sixth UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Atalanta on Wednesday night.

Mbappe has waited years to play for his dream club and after finally signing for Los Blancos this summer at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) deal, celebrated his first appearance with a goal in the UEFA Super Cup win.

Fede Valverde broke the deadlock from close range for the Champions League holders in the 59th minute after the Italian Europa League winners held their own in the first half.

Madrid began to rack up the chances and Mbappe rifled home in the 68th minute after Jude Bellingham spotted his dart into space in the box to seal the victory.

“It was a great night, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, to play with this shirt, with this badge, for these fans,” Mbappe said after the game.

Madrid’s triumph ensured coach Carlo Ancelotti equalled former Los Blancos coach Miguel Munoz on a joint-record 14 titles won at the helm of the club.

‘Dream come true’: Real Madrid unveil Mbappe

The Italian’s first task this season is designing a system that can get the best out of his array of attacking stars.

Mbappe began through the middle of Madrid’s forward line, flanked by Vinicius Junior on the left and Rodrygo Goes on the right, in the first look at how he might fit into Ancelotti’s plans this season.

As a result, England international Bellingham played as part of the midfield trio rather than in the advanced position he began last season into such devastating goalscoring effect.

Ancelotti said: “Mbappe has the quality to score a lot of goals.

“What we have to look for is balance in the team – today (Wednesday) we didn’t have that balance.”

The 25-year-old forward was given an ovation by Madrid’s fans after Ancelotti brought him off in the 83rd minute.

Mbappe said he expected to improve in the weeks ahead, with Madrid’s La Liga campaign starting on Saturday against Real Mallorca.

“I am sure we will get better and me first of all – but today (Wednesday) is a positive step,” the French star added.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Davido drops custody case, cites mentioning of son’s death

Afrobeats star Davido has addressed ongoing speculation surrounding his reported child custody dispute, stating that…

28 minutes ago

Glo launches Valentine smartphone deals with up to 18GB bonus data

Globacom is celebrating the Valentine season with a special Smartphone Promo, offering discounts on premium…

1 hour ago

NNPC reports N60.5trn revenue, N14.7trn federation remittance, N5.76trn profit in 2025

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reported a total revenue of ₦60.517…

2 hours ago

AMNI clarifies misreporting of court order in Cenroc dispute

AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited (AMNI) has clarified recent media reports suggesting that a…

2 hours ago

Court grants ₦5m bail to man over assault on Obaseki

An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin on Friday granted ₦5 million bail to…

2 hours ago

FCTA signs deals to transform Jabi Lake into major recreation hub

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed development agreements with Suburban Broadband Limited and…

2 hours ago

This website uses cookies.