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Real Madrid secured the 2024-25 UEFA Super Cup following a 2-0 win over Atalanta on Wednesday, August 14. Los Blancos were simply better and never looked uncomfortable in the game. Carlo Ancelotti deployed a 4-3-3 formation that looks likely to be the template for the Spanish giants moving forward.
After a goalless first half in Warsaw, Real Madrid scored twice in the second 45 through Federico Valverde (59') and summer signing Kylian Mbappe (68'). The La Liga champions generate talking points whenever they take to the pitch, with every player an iconic figure and their deployment the stuff of avid pontification. However, five talking points stood out in the game and they are:
#5 Kylian Mbappe fits Real Madrid perfectly
Real Madrid finally completed the signing of the French superstar this summer. The Former Paris Saint-Germain superstar was a seamless fit in the Los Blancos team, slotting in effortlessly alongside Vinicus Jr and Rodrygo to form a terrifyingly fluid attack.
Initial fears of his and Vinicius' preference to play on the left did not seem valid in the UEFA Super Cup game and Mbappe bagged a fine goal to open his account for his new employers.
#4 Vinicus is the real deal
Vinicius showed why he is among the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or in October with his performance against Atalanta. The Brazilian bagged an assist and constantly tested the Serie A side's defense.
Vinicius looks set to have another fabulous campaign for Real Madrid and is ready to continue from where he left off last season.
#3 Atalanta are a viable threat in this season's UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid will get the praise and the UEFA Super Cup trophy but Atalanta were worthy opponents and pushed Los Blancos to the very end. Gian Piero Gasperini fielded a well-drilled, delightfully positive, and brave team that will be a big challenge for many sides in the Champions League.
Charles De Ketelaare and Ademola Lookman showed why they are rated so highly in Bergamo and will be exciting players to watch in the upcoming season domestically and continentally.
#2 Rodrygo is a worthy member of the star-studded Real Madrid frontline
Rodrygo is one of the most underrated players in the world. His Real Madrid and international teammate Vinicius generally takes the plaudits and applause. But Rodrygo's hard work and intelligent navigation of space in and around the box is exemplary.
The 23-year-old, who was in fine form last season, registering 17 and nine assists in 51 games across competitions, will hope to bag more this campaign. Rodrygo's performance in the UEFA Super Cup indicates that he will be able to play a more reserved role in attack and let Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe take centerstage.
#1 Federico Valverde is a worthy heir to Toni Kroos
The UEFA Super Cup was Real Madrid's first competitive game since legendary midfielder Toni Kroos hung up his boots at the end of last season. The German was a fabulous servant to the club, making 465 appearances across competitions, scoring 28 goals and assisting 99 times.
Federico Valverde was handed Kroos' No. 8 jersey and he looked impressive in his first game with the number on his back. The Uruguay international is more than capable of matching Kroos' impact following his strong performance against Atalanta in Warsaw.
