REAL MADRID Wednesday night beat Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup, thanks to second-half goals from Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappe. Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, who had shone in the Europa League final with a hattrick, could not replicate that performance.
The win marks Real Madrid’s sixth UEFA Super Cup title, achieved after a slow first half where coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded six players making their first appearances of the 2024/25 season.
Mbappe, making his debut for the club, found the back of the net, likely easing his transition from PSG as he aims to finally win the Champions League.
In the 16th minute, Mbappe came close to scoring his first Real Madrid goal, but Atalanta’s new defender, Isak Hien, made a crucial block. Ten minutes later, Eder Militao narrowly avoided scoring an own goal when his header from a Marten de Roon cross struck the crossbar.
Lookman nearly broke through in the 36th minute, but Antonio Rudiger quickly recovered to make a brilliant defensive play. The game intensified as Jude Bellingham received a yellow card for a challenge on Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso, followed by Vinicius Jr. being booked for a foul on De Roon. Just before halftime, Rodrygo struck the crossbar.
The second half began with Thibaut Courtois making a stunning one-handed save to deny Mario Pasalic’s header from a De Roon cross. Real Madrid then took the lead through Vinicius Jr., who skilfully beat Berat Djimsiti twice before setting up Valverde for an easy finish.
Vinicius nearly added a second goal moments later, but Musso pulled off another superb save. The Atalanta goalkeeper continued to impress, twice denying Bellingham as Real Madrid increased the pressure.
After receiving a pass from Bellingham, Mbappe sealed the win with a composed finish inside the box. Atalanta’s substitute, Ben Godfrey, had a late chance cleared by Militao. Luka Modric, the new club captain, came on for Rodrygo to lift yet another trophy for the record European champions.
