Kylian Mbappe scored on his Real Madrid debut as they beat Atalanta 2-0 to claim a record sixth Uefa Super Cup in Warsaw.
The French forward, 25, was barely involved during the first period as Real struggled to find their rhythm against Gian Piero Gasperini’s well-drilled side.
However, Real were transformed after the break and Federico Valverde tapped in Vinicius Jr’s pass to open the scoring.
As Atalanta began to fade Mbappe doubled Real’s lead, accelerating onto Jude Bellingham’s pass before dispatching an effort into the top corner.
Atalanta had started the contest as the brighter team with Marten de Roon’s effort ricocheting off Eder Militao and striking the Real crossbar.
And with Mbappe operating in a central role and Bellingham deeper in midfield, Rodrygo’s effort on the stroke of half-time, which hit the Atalanta bar, was the best Real had to offer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side went through the gears after the interval and by the time Mbappe was withdrawn late on, they looked comfortable winners.
Real’s triumph ensured their coach Ancelotti collected his 14th piece of silverware across his two spells in charge of the club.
It also took the Spanish giants clear of AC Milan and Barcelona, who had won the trophy on five occasions.
The Italian’s task now will revolve around adding more honours and finding the most suitable system to get the best from the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal.
Bellingham occupied a much deeper role and was scarcely involved during the first 45 minutes, while Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were starved of space and the ball.
However, after a tactical tweak at half-time saw Mbappe shifted left, the England midfielder came into the game and played a starring role thereafter.
He released Vinicius Jr for the opener and an incisive pass soon after put the Brazilian through on goal again, with goalkeeper Juan Musso coming to Atalanta’s rescue.
Given Real still have the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba to return from injury, unused substitute Endrick waiting in the wings and many of their stars having trained together just five times before this performance, it will have sent out an ominous notice to their domestic and European rivals. (BBC)
