(foto: Getty Images)
This year's UEFA Super Cup final drew significant international attention, not so much for the matchup itself—where the royal club was, of course, the clear favorite—but primarily because of Kylian Mbappe, who made his debut for his new club today.
Contrary to the predictions of the Spanish media, Carlo Ancelotti included Mbappe in the starting lineup, where he played alongside the Brazilian duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
In the first half, Real Madrid was somewhat reserved, with Atalanta even coming closer to taking the lead when Eder Militao nearly scored an own goal. Just before halftime, Rodrygo struck the woodwork, and the goals finally started coming in the second half.
The European champions broke the deadlock just after the hour mark when Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde scored following a blistering run by Vinicius. Vinicius and Jude Bellingham each had further opportunities, and in the 68th minute, Mbappe marked his debut in the white shirt by scoring after a return pass from Bellingham.
The match also saw Croatian veteran Luka Modrić in action, who today claimed his 27th trophy, becoming the new club record holder for the most trophies won.