France forward Kylian Mbappe scored a goal on his Real Madrid debut to help his new side claim a record sixth UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Atalanta on Wednesday night.
Mbappe has waited years to play for his dream club and after finally signing for Los Blancos this summer at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) deal, celebrated his first appearance with a goal in the UEFA Super Cup win.
Fede Valverde broke the deadlock from close range for the Champions League holders in the 59th minute after the Italian Europa League winners held their own in the first half.
Madrid began to rack up the chances and Mbappe rifled home in the 68th minute after Jude Bellingham spotted his dart into space in the box to seal the victory.
“It was a great night, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, to play with this shirt, with this badge, for these fans,” Mbappe said after the game.
Madrid’s triumph ensured coach Carlo Ancelotti equalled former Los Blancos coach Miguel Munoz on a joint-record 14 titles won at the helm of the club.
‘Dream come true’: Real Madrid unveil Mbappe
The Italian’s first task this season is designing a system that can get the best out of his array of attacking stars.
Mbappe began through the middle of Madrid’s forward line, flanked by Vinicius Junior on the left and Rodrygo Goes on the right, in the first look at how he might fit into Ancelotti’s plans this season.
As a result, England international Bellingham played as part of the midfield trio rather than in the advanced position he began last season into such devastating goalscoring effect.
Ancelotti said: “Mbappe has the quality to score a lot of goals.
“What we have to look for is balance in the team – today (Wednesday) we didn’t have that balance.”
The 25-year-old forward was given an ovation by Madrid’s fans after Ancelotti brought him off in the 83rd minute.
Mbappe said he expected to improve in the weeks ahead, with Madrid’s La Liga campaign starting on Saturday against Real Mallorca.
“I am sure we will get better and me first of all – but today (Wednesday) is a positive step,” the French star added.
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