In his much-anticipated debut for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe dazzled fans by helping his new club secure a 2-0 victory against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final.
However, despite Mbappe’s stunning performance, it was Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham who truly stole the spotlight in this triumphant start to Real Madrid’s season.
Speaking to Movistar after the match, Mbappe expressed his excitement about finally donning the iconic white shirt. “I’ve been waiting for this moment a long time, to play in this shirt, with this badge, for these fans. It’s a great moment for me,” he said, reflecting on his first goal and trophy with Los Blancos.
Real Madrid fans had been eagerly awaiting Mbappe’s arrival since his move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in June, and the French star did not disappoint. In the Super Cup final, Madrid lifted their sixth UEFA Super Cup after Fede Valverde scored the opener, and Mbappe sealed the victory with a superb finish.
While Mbappe was the headline act, the match highlighted the depth and quality of Madrid’s squad. Manager Carlo Ancelotti skillfully balanced the inclusion of Mbappe with the talents of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. The result was a display of teamwork and individual brilliance that silenced critics and showcased the strength of Madrid’s lineup.
Mbappe started in the central role, with Vinicius on the left wing and Rodrygo on the right. Bellingham, who was pivotal for Madrid last season, took up a deeper midfield role, which initially limited his involvement. However, a tactical adjustment by Ancelotti at halftime changed the game’s dynamics. Mbappe and Vinicius swapped positions, and Bellingham moved further up the pitch, resulting in an increase in Madrid’s attacking intensity.
The breakthrough came just before the hour mark when Bellingham drove the ball forward and set up Vinicius, who effortlessly bypassed his marker to assist Valverde for the opening goal. Bellingham then played a crucial role in Madrid’s second goal, keeping the ball alive after a wayward pass and feeding Mbappe, who fired a first-time shot into the top corner.
Vinicius Jr was arguably the standout player of the match, contributing significantly to Madrid’s success. He delivered the joint-highest number of passes in the final third and attempted the most dribbles. Despite Mbappe’s presence, Vinicius continued to be Madrid’s key playmaker. “He’s brilliant playing with him and [Vinicius Jr], but it’s difficult sometimes,” Bellingham said after the game, acknowledging the challenge of keeping up with the duo’s pace.
Bellingham, who was named Player of the Match, has proven himself a valuable asset since joining Madrid. However, with Mbappe now in the team, he may need to adapt his game to support the Frenchman’s forward play. Despite this, Bellingham remains optimistic about his role in the team, stating, “Whatever the coach wants from me, I will do.”
Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius’s seamless integration into the team bodes well for Real Madrid’s future. With a formidable forward line, Madrid looks set to dominate both domestically and in Europe. Pundits like Owen Hargreaves have already predicted that this lineup will be unstoppable, with former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand joking that the real competition might be within the team itself.
Madrid’s success with Mbappe on board only enhances their already stellar squad. Last season, Madrid relied heavily on Bellingham for goals, but now, with Mbappe in the mix, their attack is more complete than ever.
However, the club’s most pressing challenge may be off the pitch. Vinicius Jr has become a target for Saudi Arabian clubs, with Al-Ahli reportedly prepared to make him the highest-paid athlete globally. Although Real Madrid has downplayed these rumors, the club’s management will need to ensure Vinicius feels valued and protected, especially after enduring persistent racist abuse from rival fans.
Looking ahead, Mbappe is already being tipped to break records, with many predicting he could match Lionel Messi’s single-season goal record in La Liga. Despite the individual accolades, Mbappe emphasized the importance of teamwork at Real Madrid. “If I can score 50 goals, it’s 50. But the most important thing is to win and improve as a team, because we’re going to win as a team,” he told Movistar.
Ancelotti’s Real Madrid isn’t just about one star player; it’s about a well-oiled machine where every player, including Mbappe, contributes to the collective success. If the team continues on this path, they will be the ones to beat in the coming season.