Real Madrid kicked off the 2024/25 season with a resounding victory, defeating Atalanta 2-0 to claim the UEFA Super Cup.
Despite a valiant effort from Ademola Lookman, Atalanta fell short as Los Blancos showcased their strength in the second half at the Warsaw National Stadium.
Second-Half Surge Secures Victory for Madrid
The first half saw a cautious performance from both teams, with Atalanta having the slight upper hand but failing to capitalize on their opportunities. Real Madrid’s attacking trio of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham struggled to break through Atalanta’s defense initially, while Lookman remained isolated in attack.
The game changed dramatically after halftime. Real Madrid came out with renewed energy, and their attacking quartet began to dominate. Vinicius Jr. provided the assist for Federico Valverde, who scored the opening goal around the hour mark. Despite a series of impressive saves by Atalanta’s goalkeeper Juan Musso, Valverde tapped into an empty net after being played through by Vinicius.
Bellingham and Mbappe Seal the Win for Madrid
Less than ten minutes later, Jude Bellingham set up Kylian Mbappe for the second goal. Mbappe, the latest addition to Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup, struck a powerful shot into the top right corner, adding a sense of security to the scoreline.
Both teams had chances to alter the score after Mbappe’s goal, but Real Madrid’s defense held firm. As the final whistle blew, Real Madrid celebrated their historic sixth UEFA Super Cup title, surpassing their eternal rivals Barcelona and Serie A giants AC Milan, who have each won the trophy five times.
Historic Achievement for Los Blancos
With this victory, Real Madrid further solidifies its position as the most successful club in UEFA Super Cup history. Their performance in the second half demonstrated why they remain a dominant force in European football, setting a high standard for the rest of the season.
