After the perfect start to his first season with Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe immediately looked ahead. “It is a magical night. I have always dreamed of this, and now it is true. We have won a trophy, which is always very important. But I hope it will get even better,” said the Frenchman after the 2-0 victory in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night in Warsaw against Atalanta Bergamo. Mbappe scored the second goal himself after a pass from Jude Bellingham.
First official match, first official goal, and first title – just one month after his introduction at Real, Mbappe is already in the thick of it. “You want a player like him in your team. That is the definition of Real Madrid. He played outstandingly. The goal was good,” said Bellingham about his new teammate – and predicted a lot of stress for himself in the upcoming matches. “It is brilliant to play with him and Vini (Vinicius Jr.) – but you only have two seconds before both are waving and want the ball.”
For David Alaba, it will take longer to enjoy the moment. The Austrian star is still struggling with the effects of a serious knee injury he suffered in December. The league start on Sunday evening (9:30 PM/live DAZN) in Mallorca had long ceased to be an issue. Even a break until the new year is not out of the question. Alaba watched his Real teammates triumph from the bench in Warsaw.
He saw how Mbappe, after a subdued first half, turned it up – leading the Champions League winner to victory against the Europa League winner. The first goal was scored by Federico Valverde (59th minute), and nine minutes later, Mbappe added from close range. “It is a great joy to score as a striker. I hope to improve even further and help the team,” emphasized the 25-year-old, who was able to celebrate his first continental trophy.
“Mbappe really did well. He has adapted well to the team,” praised Real coach Carlo Ancelotti his new superstar. “He played well with Vinicius Jr. and with Bellingham. Of course, we have a lot of quality, but we have to play together – and we did that well.”
Mbappe had committed to Real for five years after his contract ended at Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman is expected to not only be the top earner at the “Royal Club” but also reportedly received a signing bonus significantly beyond 100 million euros for his free transfer. He seems to have acclimatized well. “I arrived here with humility and have to thank everyone at the club because they have helped me,” said Mbappe. “I just have to take care of football, and that is what I do best.”