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The Kylian Mbappe era is here, and everyone else should be very afraid. Real Madrid’s new signing got off to a perfect start in white, grabbing a debut goal as Los Blancos beat Europa League winners Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
But he wasn’t alone. Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo hummed along before coming alive in the second half, carrying Madrid to what was eventually a comfortable win.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to create for most of the first half, a the Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo triumvirate failed to gel. The latter came closest shortly before half-time, smashing an effort off the bar.
Thibaut Courtois kept Real in it after the break with a diving stop, and Vinicius blew the game open just before the hour mark, dancing down the wing before cutting the ball back to Federico Valverde – who finished into an empty net. Mbappe added a second nine minutes later, smashing Bellingham’s feed into the top corner.
And that was all Los Blancos needed. Vinicius and Mbappe continued to ask questions, but a third goal never came. Still, Madrid were entirely in control. The ominous part? They will only get better.
GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from National Stadium Warsaw…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (8/10):
Made one ridiculous save just after half time. Followed it with a few other key interventions.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Held his own at right-back in a more defensive role than last season. Got into the chippy stuff as captain, too.
Eder Militao (6/10):
A little sloppy at times and was too easily dribbled past. Still in recovery mode from his ACL injury.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
Constantly on hand to sweep up issues. Got forward when needed, and ensured Ademola Lookman didn’t have much joy.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Had a lot to do early on as Madrid’s left flank looked rather disorganised. Settled into things later.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Did a job at the base of midfield, although he could have been tidier on the ball.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Ate up ground for fun, and offered cover when everyone else got forward. Opened the scoring with a tap-in, too.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Picked up a yellow for a silly challenge. Started cooking in the second half, though. Assisted Mbappe and dribbled past players for fun. Looked every bit reigning La Liga Player of the Year after the break.
Attack
Rodrygo (7/10):
Smashed one off the bar shortly before half-time. Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal.
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Floated around, struggled to get involved, and then smashed one into the top corner. That might become a pattern this year if he plays as a No.9.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Dropped curiously deep at times. Came alive after the break, assisting Valverde. His understanding with Mbappe might take time to come together.
Subs & Manager
Luka Modric (7/10):
Floated around, played some lovely passes.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Lucas Vazquez (N/A):
Fresh legs for Carvajal.
Arda Guler (N/A):
The most brief of run outs.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Went for a ridiculously attacking setup. His side were very poor for 45 minutes, but came alive after the break. They are going to be scary this year.
