Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham vs Lookman: Wins and Flops from the UEFA Super Cup

L-R: Vini Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Ademola Lookman.

Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham vs Lookman: Wins and Flops from the UEFA Super Cup

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 08:06 - 15.08.2024

A review of the key talking points and moments from the UEFA Super Cup between Real Madrid and Atalanta featuring Kylian Mbappe and Ademola Lookman.

What a night! The UEFA Super Cup clash between Real Madrid and Atalanta had everyone on the edge of their seats. All eyes were on Real Madrid's shiny new toy, Kylian Mbappe, making his debut and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.

Talk about pressure, right? The football world was buzzing like a beehive, wondering if the French wonderkid would live up to the hype. And let's not forget Atalanta – they weren't there just to make up the numbers.

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As the game unfolded, we saw some moments that had us jumping out of our seats and others that had us facepalming. Let's break down the top actions and see who came out smelling like roses and who... well, not so much.

Key Moment 1: Kylian Mbappe's Debut for Real Madrid

The moment we'd all been waiting for – Mbappe strutting his stuff in that iconic white jersey, starting as the main man up top, sporting his number 9.

Kylian Mbappe in action for Real Madrid || Imago
  • Analysis

Talk about a baptism of fire! All eyes were on Mbappe, and you could practically feel the weight of expectations through the TV. The first half was a snooze fest, to be honest, but you could see the kid had something special.

Mbappe moved around like a shark smelling blood, just waiting for his moment.

Kylian Mbappe made his debut for Real Madrid against Atalanta | IMAGO

Verdict

  • Win: Mbappe didn't crumble under the pressure. Yes, it wasn't the prettiest I have seen him display, but he showed up, and that's half the battle, right?

Key Action 2: Vinicius Jr's Brilliant Assist

Vini Jr. turned into a magician in the second half, conjuring up a goal out of thin air after Atalanta's keeper made a blunder from a clearance.

Vinicius Jr. remains the main man at Real Madrid and has continued from where he stopped last season.
Vinicius Jr. remains the main man at Real Madrid and has continued from where he stopped last season.
  • Analysis

When we thought we might be in for another snoozefest in the second 45, Vini Jr. decided to wake everyone up. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

Real Madrid pounced on that keeper's poor clearance like a cat on a mouse, and suddenly, the game was alive with Vini finding his way into the Atalanta box like nobody was on his way to set up Federico Valverde for the easiest of tap-ins.

Fed Valverde won't score an easier goal this season for Real Madrid all thanks to Vini Jr.
Fed Valverde won't score an easier goal this season for Real Madrid all thanks to Vini Jr.

Verdict

  • Win: This kid's got skills that pay the bills. He changed the whole vibe of the game with one slick move.

Key Action 3: Atalanta's Goalkeeper Redeems Himself

After his earlier error, Atalanta's keeper pulled off a save so good it should be illegal.

Juan Musso's poor clearance allowed Real Madrid counter through Vini Jr. for the opener.
Juan Musso's poor clearance allowed Real Madrid counter through Vini Jr. for the opener.

Analysis

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Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions for this guy! One minute he's the villain, the next he's Superman in gloves.

That save to deny Vini another moment of glory from 1v1 was so good, that even the Real Madrid fans had to pick their jaws up off the floor.

Musso denied Vini another moment of glory from point blank.
Musso denied Vini another moment of glory from point blank.

Verdict

  • Win: He might have messed up earlier, but this save was pure gold. It kept Atalanta in the game and saved a bit of face.

Key Action 4: Mbappe Scores His Debut Goal

The fairytale ending – Mbappe bagging his first goal for Real Madrid, courtesy of a sweet assist from Jude Bellingham.

Kylian Mbappe is off the mark already for Real Madrid - the perfect debut!
Kylian Mbappe is off the mark already for Real Madrid - the perfect debut!

Analysis

If Hollywood wrote football matches, this is how they'd end. Bellingham showed why Real Madrid broke the bank for him with that assist and Mbappe?

Well, he finished it off cooler than the Chelsea superstar - Cold Palmer could ever. This goal wasn't just about winning the match; it was about making a statement.

It should be illegal to have these two on the same team - the riches Real Madrid have.
It should be illegal to have these two on the same team - the riches Real Madrid have.

Verdict

  • Win: Mbappe couldn't have dreamt of a better debut. A goal, a trophy, and probably a few million new followers on Instagram.

Key Action 5: Ademola Lookman caged

Poor Lookman had a night to forget. He had chances, including a potential one-on-one with Courtois, but hardly made it close to the box.

It was not Ademola Lookman's night against Real Madrid.
It was not Ademola Lookman's night against Real Madrid.

Analysis

You know those days when you should've just stayed in bed? That was Lookman's night in a nutshell. He had more chances or maybe half chances than a cat has lives, but he just couldn't make it happen.

That missed one-on-one with Courtois? Ouch. And another in the second half that had me asking why he failed to recreate the left-footed strike against Bayer Leverkusen on that historic Europa League final night.

This was the moment Lookman could have had a 1v1 against the Real goalkeeper.
This was the moment Lookman could have had a 1v1 against the Real goalkeeper.

Verdict

Conclusion

Despite the ups and downs in this game, Mbappe's debut lived up to the hype, Vini Jr. showed why he's a fan favourite, and Atalanta's keeper went from zero to hero. On the flip side, this was not how Nigeria’s very own Lookman planned for the date night to go.

Final Verdict

Win for Real Madrid: They came, they saw, they conquered. Another trophy for the cabinet and a perfect start for their new superstar.

Another title for Real Madrid to celebrate!

Flop for Atalanta: They showed up, but that's about it. Lookman's night off summed up their night – close, but far away!

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