- Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, looks forward to the Super Cup match excitedly
- Kylian Mbappe can win the first trophy in his first appearance for Real Madrid in the cup match
- Carlo Ancelotti believes Atlanta merits a place in the UEFA Super Cup
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. The UEFA Super Cup is an annual Super Cup football match organised by UEFA and contested by the winners of the two main European club competitions: the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
Lookman looks forward to the Super Cup match excitedly
Lookman, who made headlines with a hat-trick in the Europa League final, shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming match.
“Wonderful, these are the games you want to play since you were a child. Finally, the moment has come, we won the Europa League and we will now play for another trophy,” he said.
His comments show a deep-seated excitement for the opportunity to compete for another title.
The forward highlighted the intensity of their preparation for the Super Cup, stating, “We can't wait, we are preparing with obsessive attention. So yes, we will be ready!”
Lookman also emphasized the motivation and significance of facing a team like Real Madrid. “We don't need great motivation, we will face a top team and it's an appointment with history. They are the greatest team in the world in football, it will be an exciting chapter, an exciting opportunity for everyone. We can't wait to hear it,” he added.
Kylian Mbappe can win first trophy in Super Cup final
Kylian Mbappé is set to make his debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup this Wednesday night, August 13, potentially marking the start of his trophy-laden career with the Spanish giants. The match, taking place at the National Stadium in Warsaw, will see Real Madrid face off against Atalanta, the Europa League winners from last season.
The French star is expected to feature prominently in the lineup, with a chance to lead the attack alongside Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior on the flanks.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in Mbappé's readiness, stating, “He can start like everyone else here. Everyone can play even though we haven't had much time. He's adapting very well, he's focused, he's showing extraordinary quality.”
Ancelotti’s remarks affirm the significant role Mbappé is set to play in the Super Cup, as he aims to secure his first piece of silverware with the club.
As Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League winners, prepare for the showdown against Atalanta, all eyes will be on Mbappé, who seeks to make an immediate impact and claim his inaugural trophy in a Madrid shirt.
Where, when, predicted lineup for UEFA Super Cup match
The clash kicks off at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:00 pm (Nigerian time).
Below is TheRadar’s lineup prediction for the upcoming match
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Predicted Atalanta XI (3-4-2-1): Musso; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Lookman, De Ketelaere; Retegui.
Iheanacho explains the meaning behind his ‘senior man’ nickname
Previously, TheRadar reported that Sevilla FC had earlier announced the signing of Nigerian striker, Kelechi Iheanacho from Leceister City FC. The former Leicester City forward, whose contract expired at the end of last season, put pen to paper on a deal with the Andalusian club.
After securing a two-year contract with Sevilla FC with an option of a third year, Kelechi Iheanacho disclosed the story behind his nickname in his first official interview with the club.
