UEFA Champions League Winners, Real Madrid clinched a 2-0 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, courtesy of second-half goals from Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappé.
Despite Lookman’s stellar performance in the Europa League final, where he netted a hat trick, he was unable to replicate that form in this match.
This triumph marks Real Madrid’s sixth UEFA Super Cup title. The match began slowly for the Spanish giants, as coach Carlo Ancelotti started six players making their first appearances of the 2024/25 season. Mbappé, debuting for Real Madrid, found the back of the net.
In the 16th minute, Mbappé nearly scored his first goal for Real Madrid, but Atalanta’s new defender, Isak Hien made a crucial block. Ten minutes later, Eder Militão narrowly avoided an own goal when his header from a Marten de Roon cross hit the crossbar.
Lookman came close to breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute, but Antonio Rüdiger made a brilliant recovery to thwart the attempt. The match grew tense, with Jude Bellingham receiving a yellow card for a challenge on Atalanta goalkeeper, Juan Musso, followed by Vinícius Jr. being booked for a foul on de Roon. Just before halftime, Rodrygo struck the crossbar, keeping the score level 0-0.
The second half saw Thibaut Courtois make a stunning one-handed save to deny Mario Pašalić’s header from a de Roon cross. Real Madrid then took the lead when Vinícius Jr. beat Berat Djimsiti twice before setting up Valverde for a simple finish.
Vinícius almost added another moments later, but Musso pulled off a superb save. The Atalanta goalkeeper continued his impressive performance, twice denying Bellingham as Real Madrid intensified their pressure.
Mbappé sealed the victory after receiving a pass from Bellingham, finishing coolly inside the box. Atalanta substitute, Ben Godfrey had a late chance, but Militão cleared the danger. Luka Modrić, the new club captain, came on for Rodrygo and lifted yet another trophy for the record European champions.
