Agencies
Kylian Mbappe said there is “no limit” to what he and Real Madrid can achieve together after he scored on his debut against Atalanta to help the club win a record sixth UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
The France captain completed a long-awaited move years in the making when he joined Real this summer after a trophy-laden spell at Paris St-Germain.
And despite having resumed training just over a week ago, it took PSG’s record goalscorer just under 70 minutes to lay down his first marker of intent for the new season, with a clinical finish to ensure a triumphant start and more silverware for his new employers.
“It was a great night - I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Mbappe told Movistar, in fluent Spanish.
“To play with this shirt, with this badge, for these fans, it’s a gift for me.” With Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Endrick also at manager Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal, the addition of Mbappe - arguably the best attacking player in the world - has only strengthened the current European and Spanish champions.
And as they head into the new campaign, Mbappe stressed they are capable of great things.
“We are at Real Madrid, we have no limit. If I can score 50, then 50, but the most important thing is winning and improving as a team, because we will win as a team,” Mbappe added.
England midfielder Bellingham, who played a starring role in Real’s victory over the Serie A side and laid on a goal for his new team-mate, added: “He’s just one of those players, he’s brilliant.
“So sharp. So much technical quality. A great team-mate as well. He works for the team, like the rest of the lads. Credit to him, and he deserves it tonight.”
Speaking to TNT Sports, Ancelotti added: “Mbappe did really well. He adapted well to the team. He combined well with Vinícius Jr and with Bellingham.
“Of course, we have a lot of quality, but we have to play together and we did that tonight.”
Mbappe scored on his competitive debut for Real Madrid as they beat Atalanta 2-0 in Warsaw to clinch the UEFA Super Cup.
Atalanta edged a goalless first period in which both sides hit the woodwork.
Real defender Eder Militao’s attempted headed clearance from Marten de Roon’s cross looped on to the crossbar, while Brazil forward Rodrygo struck the bar with a shot from inside the penalty area.
Mario Pasalic’s second-half header for Atalanta was superbly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Real broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when Vinicius Junior brilliantly set up Valverde for a simple finish by picking him out from the by-line.
Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso denied the Brazil forward a second and thwarted Bellingham soon after as Real took control.
Mbappe made it 2-0 in the 69th minute after being teed up by Bellingham and Real comfortably saw the game out.
