In a script seemingly pre-written by the soccer gods, Kylian Mbappe slotted home a top-corner curler in the 68th minute on his Real Madrid debut against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
The strike helped his new club secure a 2-0 victory to land the Frenchmen his first trophy for Los Blancos. All four of Real Madrid 's attacking superstars - Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr , and Rodrygo -- played a part in the buildup of the goal
Bellingham received the ball on the touchline and squared it back to Mbappe, who calmy beat his man before slotting home past Atalanta keeper Juan Musso.
Mbappe ran to the Real Madrid faithful to celebrate, crossing his arms and placing them underneath his shoulders as the Madristas cheered on.
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Vincius Jr seemed to quash any rumblings that he was jealous of Mbappe's stature at the club by running over and celebrating alongside the Frenchmen after the goal. The Brazilian winger also performed the Mbappe celebration while further teammates swarmed their new signing.
For Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, it's yet another trophy for an already-glistening trophy cabinet. The 65-year-old Italian claimed his third UEFA Super Cup as Real Madrid and fifth overall, having won it twice with AC Milan.
Ancelotti named a powerful starting XI featuring Mbappe through the middle flanked by Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr in the forward three. Bellingham started alongside Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in a middle three that looks to be Madrid's first-choice front six for the season.
Valverde opened the scoring in the 59th minute after a beautiful piece of dribbling by Vinicius Jr on the left wing. The Brazilian easily skinned Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti before laying it on a plate for the unmarked Valverde right in front of a gaping goal.
Mbappe's finish nine minutes later left no doubt as Madrid was never really troubled by their Italian opponents. Ancelotti substituted the former PSG man for Brahim Diaz in the 83rd minute as the Spanish giants flexed their attacking depth.
Luka Modric, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, and Lucas Vazquez also appeared late in the contest. There would be no debut for Brazilian wonderkind Endrick, who was acquired from Palmeiras for an eye-watering €60 million fee.
Bellingham, who completed 44/49 passes and five successful dribbles to go along with his assist, was selected as the man of the match.
Mbappe signed for Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain . The Frenchman had long emphasized to PSG that the Spanish giants were always his dream destination.
Los Blancos will begin their title defense of La Liga on Sunday when they travel to Mallorca on Sunday. The Spanish champions will also be after a record 16th Champions League title this season.
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