A dream debut! Kylian Mbappe scores his first Real Madrid goal against Atalanta after Jude Bellingham’s slick assist and lifts the UEFA Super Cup in perfect start to life in Spain

Kylian Mbappe made it a debut to remember for Real Madrid after scoring against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup and winning his first trophy at the club.

The superstar, who joined as a free agent this summer after departing Paris Saint-Germain following a glittering seven-year spell, ran onto an inch-perfect cutback from Jude Bellingham and fired coolly into the top corner.

His effort in the 68th minute doubled his new side’s lead after Federico Valverde’s opener and secured his maiden cup with Madrid, wrapping up a dream display.

Mbappe was handed his first competitive start for the LaLiga giants just weeks after sealing his move to the Bernabeu, having recently joined his team-mates in training. 

The 25-year-old was afforded a brief holiday after France’s Euro 2024 campaign and reported to Madrid’s Valdebebas base to begin rigorous fitness work.

But there were no hints of rustiness in his energetic performance in Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday with his net-busting strike capping off a superb night.

He even treated supporters to an exciting glimpse of his budding partnership with Bellingham. The midfielder adopted his usual position in attacking midfield, similar to his role for England at the Euros, and set about linking up with Mbappe.

Vinicius Junior’s mazy run saw him cross for Bellingham and in turn, the England hero split the defence to find Madrid’s new No 9, who made no mistake in finishing. 

Mbappe and Bellingham then shared a warm embrace during the celebrations.

Incidentally, the duo dovetailed in more ways than one with Mbappe becoming the first Madrid player to find the net on his debut since Bellingham in August 2023.

Madrid also made history as the first club to win the Super Cup on six occasions.   

‘Kylian has arrived well, like all the other [players] who haven’t had much time [to train],’ Carlo Ancelotti said ahead of the game. ‘He’s in good form, he’s adapting well. Obviously, everyone who’s here [with the squad] could play tomorrow.’

Ancelotti also joked that trying to fit his superstars into the side was a ‘big problem’. 

‘All summer I’ve been thinking about who to pick, who not to pick, and it ruined my holidays!’ Ancelotti told reporters. ‘We have a lot of games. 

‘The same players can’t play all 70 games. Last year, those who played less brought a lot to the team, those who started on the bench, and that can be the key.’