The ex-Paris Saint-Germain player had a terrific debut for his current team, while Jude Bellingham excelled in a convincing victory.

The advent of the Kylian Mbappe era has arrived, instilling a sense of trepidation in all others. The recent acquisition of Real Madrid made a flawless beginning in their white uniform, scoring a debut goal as Los Blancos defeated Atalanta, the champions of the Europa League, with a 2-0 victory in the UEFA Super Cup held in Warsaw on Wednesday night.

 

However, he was not solitary. Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo initially had a slow start but then became more active and influential in the second half, leading Madrid to an ultimately easy victory.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team faced difficulties in generating opportunities over the majority of the first half, as the trio of Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo failed to establish effective coordination. Shortly before half-time, the latter came closest to scoring by forcefully striking the ball against the crossbar.

 

Thibaut Courtois made a remarkable save to keep Real Madrid in the game after halftime, while Vinicius made a significant impact by creating a scoring opportunity just before the 60th minute. He skilfully manoeuvred down the flank and passed the ball back to Federico Valverde, who easily scored into an unguarded net. Mbappe scored his second goal just nine minutes later, powerfully striking the ball from Bellingham’s pass into the top corner of the net.

And that was all Real Madrid needed. Vinicius and Mbappe persisted in their enquiries, although a third goal remained elusive. However, Madrid maintained complete dominance. What is the ominous aspect? Their improvement will be continuous.

GOAL evaluates the performance of Real Madrid’s players at the National Stadium Warsaw…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (8/10):

Made one ridiculous save just after half time. Followed it with a few other key interventions.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

Held his own at right-back in a more defensive role than last season. Got into the chippy stuff as captain, too.

Eder Militao (6/10):

A little sloppy at times and was too easily dribbled past. Still in recovery mode from his ACL injury.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Constantly on hand to sweep up issues. Got forward when needed, and ensured Ademola Lookman didn’t have much joy.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Had a lot to do early on as Madrid’s left flank looked rather disorganised. Settled into things later.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Did a job at the base of midfield, although he could have been tidier on the ball.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Ate up ground for fun, and offered cover when everyone else got forward. Opened the scoring with a tap-in, too.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Picked up a yellow for a silly challenge. Started cooking in the second half, though. Assisted Mbappe and dribbled past players for fun. Looked every bit reigning La Liga Player of the Year after the break.

Attack

Rodrygo (7/10):

Smashed one off the bar shortly before half-time. Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Floated around, struggled to get involved, and then smashed one into the top corner. That might become a pattern this year if he plays as a No.9.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Dropped curiously deep at times. Came alive after the break, assisting Valverde. His understanding with Mbappe might take time to come together.

Subs & Manager

Luka Modric (7/10):

Floated around, played some lovely passes.

Brahim Diaz (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

Fresh legs for Carvajal.

Arda Guler (N/A):

The most brief of run outs.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Went for a ridiculously attacking setup. His side were very poor for 45 minutes, but came alive after the break. They are going to be scary this year.