Spanish giants Real Madrid turned up the heat to defeat Europa League winners Atalanta in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup.
The opening half was combative, as both sides put up a cautious display to avoid being blown apart.
In the 9th minute, Atalanta midfielder Ederson was booked for a poor challenge on Federico Valverde.
There were many big chances in the first period, but the biggest opportunity fell to Real Madrid in the 1st minute of added time.
Atalanta’s defense was in sixes and sevens, with Los Merengues making passes to carve their opposition out.
Rodrygo Goes Nearly Poked Real Madrid In Front Late On In The First Half
Vinicius Jr got hold of the ball and sent a through ball which was deflected into the path of Rodrygo, who was completely unmarked and onside.
The Brazil international directed an effort at goal, however, the ball cannoned off the crossbar after beating goalkeeper Juan Musso and sailed out for a goal kick, with fans of Atalanta heaving a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side had also troubled Real Madrid across spells in the first half, and it was evident in the 28th minute.
Aurelien Tchouameni couldn’t clear the ball properly and the ball fell to midfielder Ederson, with the 25-year-old curling an effort from outside the 18 intending for the top-right corner.
His effort didn’t trouble goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with the Belgian watching the ball as it went out of play.
Moreover, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. brandished yellow cards in the 35th and 42nd minute respectively for their troubles.
Stalemate At Halftime Of The 2024 UEFA Super Cup
The first half ended with the two teams level at the break and both clubs knew they needed plenty to do if they were to come out victorious.
The second duration began with Atalanta being on the front foot, and they nearly went ahead in the 48th minute.
Davide Zappacosta sent a dangerous ball into the box and Mario Pasalic was present to head the ball towards the top-right corner.
His effort was amazing but Courtois was equal to the task, making a big save to tip the ball out for a corner.
One minute before the hour mark, Federico Valverde put Real Madrid in front, following a lovely intricate attacking move.
Vinicius Jr showed great skill dancing down the left-hand side of the box, before calmly working a great pass into the path of the Uruguayan, who was stationed to tap the ball home.
Kylian Mbappe’s First Goal For Real Madrid
Los Blancos took control of the game from then on and they doubled their lead in the 68th minute, as Kylian Mbappe expertly scored from the center of the box after receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham, who was electric all evening.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side had several chances to further their lead but they couldn’t bury it, anyway, they will be content with the win as they secured the 2024 UEFA Super Cup title, much to the delight of supporters of the club.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini introduced Mateo Regui for Charles de Ketelaere in the 63rd minute alongside Ben Godfrey for Davide Zappacosta.
Atalanta’s Berat Djmsiti was booked a minute later for a foul on Jude Bellingham. Meanwhile, the Italian side also made further alterations in the 71st minute, with Mitchel Bakker coming on to replace Sead Kolasinac.
Real Madrid’s first change in the showdown occured in the 76th minute, with Luka Modric entering the fray for Rodrygo.
Kylian Mbappe was also withdrawn 7 minutes before the expiration of the clash for Brahim Diaz.
Arda Guler replaced Vinicius Jr in the 88th minute, while trojan Jude Bellingham was taking off for Daniel Ceballos.
Los Blancos’ final alteration came in the 89th minute, with European Championship winner Dani Carvajal coming off for Lucas Vazquez.
Right on the stroke of the 90th minute, Marco Palestra came on for Atalanta, with Isak Hien being substituted in his stead.
Mario Pasalic, who nearly scored the opener of the 2024 UEFA Super Cup was also substituted out for Alberto Manzoni.
Real Madrid have continued to delineate their dominance across Europe and the 2024 UEFA Super Cup is the latest trophy to their wide kitty, in what has been a really successful year for the club.
