Real’s record-breaking sixth Super Cup title. Rivals Barcelona and AC Milan have each won the European Cup winners’ summit five times. Ever since Atletico Madrid won against Real in 2018, the premier class winner has always won.
Carlo Ancelotti failed in attack. “A big problem,” joked the Real coach. He ruined his vacation by wondering who was playing. Against Atalanta, Mbappe ran ahead of Brazilians Vinicius Jr. and surrounded by Rodrygo. Jude Bellingham worked behind it. David Alaba is still rehabbing after tearing his cruciate ligament in December and no date has yet been set for his return. The ÖFB Legionnaire watched the game from the bench with his teammates.
After a manageable opening phase, debutant Mbappe had the first shot but it was blocked (15th). On top of that, Real struggled to create chances. Atalanta defended too high at times, but above all in a disciplined manner. The Italians almost managed to take the lead. Real defender Eder Militao deflects a sharp cross from Maarten den Roon onto his own crossbar (25th). Just before the break, Rodrigo Alumi scored on the opposite side (45th + 1).
At the start of the second half, Thibaut Courtois had to distinguish himself for the first time. Atalanta’s Mario Basalic forced the Real keeper into a brilliant header (47′). A small phase of pressure developed for the Italians, who shaved Real’s head with the opening goal. The lightning-quick Vinicius Junior broke down the left and Valverde had to push the following cross pass over the bar.
Not long after, Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham missed high-profile goals, but it wasn’t long before a second goal arrived. Bellingham served Mbappe in the backcourt, who fired his first-time shot into the top corner. In the closing stages, a cross from Vinicius Jr. was almost converted (82′), otherwise Real would have left the game to Atalanta. But the Italians were no longer obliging.
