Big Day for Mbappe and Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is finally ready to make his first appearance for Real Madrid. The European champions will face Atalanta, the Europa League winners, in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw. After years of trying to sign Mbappe, Real Madrid succeeded when the French star joined them in June on a five-year contract, leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
First Game, First Trophy?
This match is not just any game; it’s Real Madrid’s first official game of the season. For Mbappe, it’s also a chance to win his first European trophy with his new team. Although he had a tough time at Euro 2024, where he broke his nose and scored only one goal, Mbappe is now ready to start fresh with Real Madrid.
Mbappe’s Preparation
After his unveiling in front of 80,000 fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe was given a holiday and missed Real Madrid’s pre-season tour in the United States. He only joined his teammates for training a week before this match. However, Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, believes Mbappe is ready to play. “Kylian can play from the start just like everyone who is here,” Ancelotti said.
Excitement in Spain
The excitement in Spain is huge, with newspapers eagerly awaiting Mbappe’s “Superdebut.” The sports dailies AS and Marca both featured the star on their front pages, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his first game in a Real Madrid shirt.
Ancelotti’s Confidence
Despite the challenge of integrating Mbappe into a team that already includes stars like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, Ancelotti is confident. He jokingly said that figuring out who to play has “ruined my holidays,” but he’s ready to welcome Mbappe into the lineup.
Atalanta’s Challenge
Atalanta, playing in their first UEFA Super Cup after winning the Europa League, will be missing their striker Gianluca Scamacca due to injury. However, they’ve brought in Mateo Retegui, an Italian international striker, to strengthen their squad.
Recent UEFA Super Cup Winners
- 2023: Manchester City (ENG)
- 2022: Real Madrid (ESP)
- 2021: Chelsea (ENG)
- 2020: Bayern Munich (GER)
- 2019: Liverpool (ENG)
- 2018: Atletico Madrid (ESP)
- 2017: Real Madrid (ESP)
- 2016: Real Madrid (ESP)
- 2015: Barcelona (ESP)
- 2014: Real Madrid (ESP)