Real Madrid shows what Europe has to fear
And another title for Real Madrid. In Mbappé's debut, the Royal Whites win the European Super Cup and become the record champions in this competition. For the new superstar, the first night was "magical".
Europe's football elite got a small taste on Wednesday evening of what awaits them this season, at least when facing Real Madrid. While the team has lost one of the greatest giants in club history in Toni Kroos, they have gained a new giant in Kylian Mbappé. He made his debut in the European Super Cup in Warsaw against Europa League winners Atalanta Bergamo and scored his first goal in the new white jersey in a commanding 2:0 (0:0) victory.
"It was a magical night. I've been dreaming of this, and now it's reality," said Mbappé, who finally got to celebrate his first international title with a club. And after this evening, it seems clear that it won't be the last: "It's crazy and a great honor. It's always great to score a goal. I hope we can keep this up."
Mbappé sealed the game with his goal, making it 2:0 in a match that was dull in the first 45 minutes but increasingly dominated by Real afterwards. However, they had to overcome a tricky situation. Immediately after the final whistle, Thibaut Courtois saved his team from going behind with an outstanding save, palming away Mario Pasalic's header.
Real was not without mistakes, Bergamo had opportunities, but the Italians never had a real chance to win. The Royal Whites' early form is simply too impressive. Vinicius Junior, who was recently the subject of billion-dollar transfer rumors to Saudi Arabia, is almost unstoppable with his incredible speed, ball control, and playmaking. He set up Federico Valverde's opening goal with a brilliant run, drawing his defender into a tackle and then laying the ball off for an easy finish.
He was also involved in Mbappé's goal. On the right side of the penalty area, he wanted to set up his new teammate instead of shooting himself, which would have been a good idea in a great position. But he chose to pass, and the ball was eventually rescued by Rodrygo, who found Mbappé to crown his dream debut with numerous sprints and skillful moves. Mbappé then celebrated with a powerful celebration, sending a message to Europe's competition.
Who can beat this team? That's a good question. Because even Jude Bellingham, the English world star who was more criticized than praised at the European Championship, returned to his best form. He was always involved in the game, like Kroos used to be, and repeatedly broke into Atalanta's defense with his speed and runs, creating clever chances. He even sent Vinicius Junior away with a brilliant through ball, although his shot was too off-target.
"It's easy to play with them. They're all fantastic, Real is the greatest club in the world," said Mbappé, who is already deeply in love with his new home, for whose transfer he fought so hard, even using somewhat contentious means at his former club Paris St. Germain. "I'd like to thank everyone. It's been so easy. I really just have to focus on football." Jude Bellingham, the new midfield chief who played in a very attacking role as a number ten, was also full of praise. "He's brilliant and has so much quality. But he's also a great team player, very pleasant. He deserves it."
In the first competitive game of the season, the team "needed a little time, but then it clicked and we found each other," emphasized Bellingham, praising: "We were brilliant. That was fun, we'll enjoy the celebration - but then it's back to work." He sees a lot of stress coming his way. Because of the pace dribblers Vinicius Junior and Mbappé: "You only have two seconds before both of them wave their hands and want the ball."
By the way, there was also reason to celebrate for the eternal Luka Modrić, who came on late. With now 27 titles, he is the most successful player in the history of Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti can share this title with the legendary Miguel Muñoz (14). And another record: With the sixth triumph, the Royal Blues have overtaken AC Milan in this competition.
The victory in the European Super Cup has shown that Real Madrid's football elite, including their new addition Kylian Mbappé, are set to cause havoc this season. Mbappé, who scored his first goal for the club in the match, expressed his delight, saying, "It's always great to score a goal, and I hope we can keep this up."
Vinicius Junior, another key contributor to Real Madrid's impressive performance, played a crucial role in setting up Mbappé's goal, demonstrating the team's prowess in attacking football.
