The UEFA Super Cup, an annual showdown between the winners of the Champions League and the Europa League, could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid
Mbappé might play his first game for Real Madrid against Atalanta this Wednesday, but coach Carlo Ancelotti did not say if he would start.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid as a free agent in June, has been training with the team since arriving in Spain last week. Ancelotti noted that Mbappé is in good shape and fitting in well, but he has not decided yet if Mbappé will play.
The French striker did not participate in the preseason tour in the United States to rest after Euro 2024, but he is now ready to join a formidable attacking lineup alongside Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrigo and other global talents.
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His teammates have expressed their excitement about his potential impact on the team. “As a teammate, I can say he’s a great player. He will help us a lot to have a great season,” emphasized defender Dani Carvajal.
Ancelotti mentioned that only players who start the game will take penalties, and while Mbappé is good at them, so are Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. Real Madrid, with five Super Cups, could become the most successful team in the competition if they win. This season is extra special because FIFA’s new Intercontinental Cup adds seven titles up for grabs.
Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, is hopeful they can surprise everyone, even though they face a tough challenge against Real Madrid. They are missing their injured striker, Gianluca Scamacca, who tore his ACL and will be out for about six months.
