Real Madrid added another feather to their illustrious cap by winning the UEFA Super Cup for a record sixth time, defeating Atalanta 2-0 at the National Stadium in Warsaw
Goals from Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappé, making his debut for the club, sealed the victory, as Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to win five Super Cups.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta, the Game
Real Madrid, Champions League winner, entered the match with a superstars lineup brimming with attacking talent, including their new marquee signing, Kylian Mbappé. Despite this, the first half was far from straightforward for the Spanish giants. Atalanta, first Super Cup ever after Europa League triumph, the first for an Italian team in 14 years, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, showcased their tactical acumen, making it difficult for Madrid to find their rhythm.
Davide Zappacosta’s diagonal runs and Marten De Roon‘s cross-shot that hit the woodwork were clear signs that the Italian side was not intimidated by their opponents’ pedigree.
Real Madrid, however, had their chances too. Mbappé’s early attempt was blocked by Isak Hien, and Vinícius Júnior’s delivery across the box narrowly missed connecting with a teammate. The most significant moment of the first half came just before the break when Rodrygo’s powerful shot rattled the crossbar, leaving the match goalless at halftime.
Second-half goals
The second half saw a revitalized Real Madrid. Mbappé, eager to make an impact on his debut, burst forward early on but shot wide. Atalanta responded with a strong header from Mario Pašalić, which required a world-class save from Thibaut Courtois.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Jude Bellingham, another of Madrid’s extraordinary superstars, threaded a perfect pass to Vinícius Júnior, who then delivered a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross for Federico Valverde to tap in. This goal broke the deadlock and gave Madrid the momentum they needed.
Nine minutes later, Mbappé made his mark. Latching onto a precise pass from Bellingham, the French forward drilled a powerful shot past the Atalanta goalkeeper, securing Madrid’s second goal and effectively putting the game beyond Atalanta’s reach. This goal was not just a personal milestone for Mbappé but also a symbol of the new era beginning at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti’s masterpiece
Carlo Ancelotti’s experience and tactical adjustments were pivotal in Real Madrid’s victory. Despite a challenging first half, where Atalanta’s defense held firm, Ancelotti’s decision to maintain composure and wait for the right moment paid off. His record fifth Super Cup win, coupled with his numerous Champions League titles, further cements his legacy as one of the greatest football managers of all time.
Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience, particularly in the second half: “It was a difficult game. The second half was much better: we had more space ahead of us, and we showed our qualities. In the first half, we had a lot of difficulty. Atalanta played really well defensively, and we had difficulty in finding space“
The Italian side, missing several key players (Scalvini and Scamacca, seriously injured and Koopmeiners, left home after his deal with Juventus), managed to hold their own against one of the world’s most formidable teams for almost an hour.
Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri reflected on the match, saying, “I am happy because we were able to play on a par with the best team in the world right now. We managed to limit and counter them, even creating some chances. But when their quality comes out, they don’t leave you many chances.”
Isak Hien echoed Ruggeri’s sentiments but expressed his frustration with the result: “At the moment, I can’t really think about the good game we played for 60 minutes, I’m more disappointed with the defeat. At this level, you have to play well for 90 minutes if you want to beat the best. And against Real you can’t play well, you do have do be absolutely perfect…”
Key Facts and Records
This victory not only secured Real Madrid’s sixth Super Cup title but also set several records. Dani Carvajal and Luka Modrić became the first players to win five Super Cups appearing in six editions, surpassing legends as Paolo Maldini and Dani Alves.
Ancelotti’s five Super Cup victories, it’s the most by any coach, and highlights his unmatched success in European football.
For Mbappé, this match marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in his career. His debut goal in a major final, combined with his overall performance, suggests that he will be a crucial figure in Madrid’s quest for more silverware this season. Real is aiming expressly to the first Club World’s Cup…
Real and Ancelotti perfect start
Real Madrid’s triumph in the UEFA Super Cup is a testament to their enduring quality and ability to perform on the big stage. Despite a challenging start, the experience, depth, and tactical nous of Ancelotti’s side proved too much for Atalanta. As the new season begins, Madrid has once again set the standard, reminding the football world why they remain one of the most successful and feared clubs in the history of the sport. In 2024 they won Liga, Spanish Supercup, Champions League and European Supercup… What’s next?
