UEFA Super Cup Preview: Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid take on Atalanta
The dawn of a new Galáctico era is upon us at Real Madrid as the club prepares to usher in a season filled with promise, talent, and the weight of expectation. With the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the prodigious Brazilian talent Endrick, Los Blancos have added even more firepower to an already star-studded squad.
Their first challenge is a prestigious one, as they face off against Atalanta, the surprise winners of last season’s Europa League, in the UEFA Super Cup. The match, set to take place at the iconic Polish National Stadium in Warsaw, marks the first competitive outing of the season for both teams. For Real Madrid, it’s a golden opportunity to claim silverware and set the tone for the year ahead, while Atalanta will be eager to prove that their European success was no fluke. As two contrasting footballing philosophies collide, all eyes will be on Mbappé and the new-look Madrid as they aim to kick off this new chapter with a victory.
Super Cup – all you need to know
How did they get to the Super Cup?
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid’s path to the UEFA Super Cup was paved with a commanding performance on European football’s grandest stage. They clinched their place by defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley. It was a night where Dani Carvajal opened the scoring, followed by Vinícius Júnior sealing the victory with a clinical finish. This triumph not only secured their 15th Champions League title but also completed a remarkable double for Los Blancos, having already secured the La Liga title earlier in the season.
Atalanta:
Atalanta’s journey to the Super Cup was equally impressive, if not more surprising. The Bergamo-based side captured the Europa League crown with a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final, thanks to a hat-trick from Ademola Lookman.
What made this achievement even more remarkable was that Atalanta were the only team to beat Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen all season—a side widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. This victory solidified Atalanta’s status as a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage and earned them a shot at their first UEFA Super Cup.
Team News
Real Madrid:
Kylian Mbappé is set to make his highly anticipated debut, at the very least as a substitute, following his recent unveiling. Despite joining the squad later than his teammates due to France’s semi-final run in Euro 2024, Mbappé has returned to Madrid training and could feature in this clash. Jude Bellingham is also likely to play after his summer break, adding more firepower to the midfield. However, Real Madrid will be without Eduardo Camavinga, who has been ruled out due to injury. Another exciting summer addition, Endrick, is expected to be involved and could definitely make an impact here.
Endrick's dream to join Real Madrid came true 🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/UW6eqYM6BV
— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 27, 2024
Atalanta:
Atalanta could see Ben Godfrey make his debut. The ex-Everton centre-back will add some serious grit and experience to the Atalanta backline. He has joined the wave of English players moving abroad as they seek more minutes and a route back to the England squad. They will be without fellow new signing Nicolò Zaniolo, who is sidelined with an injury. The Italian side also faces a significant injury list, with Giorgio Scalvini, Gianluca Scamacca, and Rafael Toloi all unavailable for selection.
Key Players
Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid marks the beginning of a new era for the club. Widely regarded as one of the most electrifying talents in world football, Mbappé combines blistering pace with extraordinary dribbling skills, making him a nightmare for defenders.
His ability to score from almost any position, coupled with his vision and creativity, makes him an all-around threat. Mbappé’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself, having already netted over 300 goals at the age of 25, a feat that places him among the game’s elite. His speed on the counter-attack, coupled with his instinctive finishing, means that he can turn a game on its head in a matter of seconds.
Beyond his physical attributes, Mbappé’s mentality and hunger for success make him a perfect fit for a club like Real Madrid. He’s a player who thrives on the big stage, as evidenced by his performances in World Cups and Champions League knockout rounds.
Now, as he steps onto the pitch for the first time in the famous white shirt, there’s immense anticipation over how he will integrate into Carlo Ancelotti’s system. His chemistry with the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will be crucial as Madrid aims to maintain its dominance in European football. All eyes will be on Mbappé to see if he can deliver under the pressure and make an immediate impact in his debut match.
Atalanta: Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman has quickly become a talismanic figure for Atalanta, especially after his heroics in the Europa League final, where he single-handedly dismantled Bayer Leverkusen with a stunning hat-trick. Lookman’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable; his blend of speed, agility, and technical ability makes him a constant threat in the final third. Capable of playing on either wing or as a central forward, Lookman’s versatility allows him to exploit spaces and create opportunities for his team, even against the most formidable defenses.
With several of Atalanta’s key players, including Scamacca and Zaniolo, sidelined, Lookman will be tasked with shouldering much of the attacking burden. His direct style of play, combined with a keen eye for goal, will be vital in breaking down Real Madrid’s defense.
We made history. God did!!!!💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/lxtRqcEUgl
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) May 23, 2024
Lookman’s ability to take on defenders one-on-one and his knack for being in the right place at the right time could be decisive in a match where Atalanta will likely need to capitalize on any chances they get. Furthermore, his confidence will be high after his recent successes, and he will relish the opportunity to prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in the world. If Atalanta is to spring a surprise in the Super Cup, Lookman will undoubtedly be at the heart of their efforts.
Key Statistics
- Real Madrid and Atalanta have faced off two times, with Real Madrid winning both
- This is the first Super Cup that Atalanta have featured in, becoming the seventh Italian side to appear in the competition
- Real Madrid are the most successful team in Super Cup history (tied for five wins with AC Milan and Barcelona) and could pull ahead with a win today
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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