- Mbappé discusses his ambitious goal-scoring target of 50 goals this season
- Carlo Ancelotti praises the balance of his team despite a slow start
- Federico Valverde opens the scoring with a second-half goal against Atalanta
Kylian Mbappé declared that there is "no limit" to the number of goals he and Real Madrid can score this season after starting his debut with a goal as the Spanish giants clinched the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Atalanta. Mbappé, who arrived at Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, put pen to paper on a five-year deal, concluding a highly anticipated transfer saga.
The Frenchman started the Super Cup game featuring the Champions League holders, Madrid, against the Europa League champions, Atalanta, just a week after joining up with his new teammates for pre-season training.
I anticipated this moment for a long time - Mbappe
After a tightly contested first half in Warsaw, Poland, Federico Valverde broke the stalemate in the 59th minute, converting a cross from Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé then sealed the win with his first Real Madrid goal nine minutes later, finishing off a well-executed move that involved Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Jude Bellingham.
"We're at Real Madrid, we have no limit, I have no limit," Mbappé said to Movistar following Wednesday's match when asked about his goal of scoring 50 goals this season.
"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.
"It was a great night. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, to play in this shirt, with this badge, for these fans. It’s a great moment for me," the new Madrid signing added.
Madrid’s attack, orchestrated by coach Carlo Ancelotti, featured Vinícius and Rodrygo on the wings, with Bellingham playing behind Mbappé.
Speaking about his attacking partners, Mbappé said, "They’re two great players," referencing Vinícius and Bellingham, who combined for his goal. "But here we have the best in every position. I'm happy to play with the entire squad we have; we'll improve for sure, me first of all, but today is a positive step."
After the game, Valverde, who opened the scoring, praised the forward line, saying, "They deserve it. Let’s hope we can enjoy a lot of games like today. They can enjoy themselves and play well, and us further back will run for them!"
Jude Bellingham, who was awarded MVP honours for the match, was effusive in his praise for Mbappé, stating, "I thought [Mbappé] was amazing before. Now I've got the chance to play with him and see the details a little bit closer: the speed, the quality, the work without the ball, the way he is as a leader, he communicates."
Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the early struggles but was pleased with how his team adjusted. "[Mbappé] has the quality to score a lot of goals. We have to look for balance as a team. Today we had it. In the first half, our level of play wasn't spectacular, but the team had a good game at the back," the Italian coach added.
Despite Atalanta’s pressing, Real Madrid found their rhythm in the second half, led by their new attacking trio. With Mbappé now in their ranks, Real Madrid look primed for another round of exploits this season.
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Previously, TheRadar reported that Atlanta triumphed 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League Final against a strong Bayer Leverkusen side, earning their spot in the UEFA Super Cup final, with Ademola Lookman netting a hat-trick.
On the other hand, Real Madrid emerged victorious in the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, adding their 15th European Championship to their illustrious history.
