The 2024 UEFA Super Cup Final did not disappoint. The winner of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League came to play the first official European club tie of the season. The anticipation in the build-up to this game was great, as fans wanted to see big-name signing Kylian Mbappe make his debut and last season’s UEFA Europa League final hero Ademola Lookman do his magic.
The match was held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, with over 56,042 people in attendance to watch the match. Atalanta was missing Giuseppe Scamacca, a crucial part of the team’s attack, and Real Madrid were missing Eduardo Camavinga, who had to leave the field before the end of the team’s final training session.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti set up a 4-3-3 formation, allowing the fans to see Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham play together for the first time. Atalanta BC head coach Gian Piero Gasperini lined up a 3-4-1-2 formation, comprising skilled Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
The first half was goalless, with both sides creating a lot of chances but failing to take them. The second half was action-packed. Federico Valverde gave Real Madrid the lead in the 59th minute, and in the 68th minute, the big-money signing Kylian Mbappe made his mark via a goal. Atalanta tried getting back into the game, but Real Madrid’s resolute defense stood strong and kept the game at two-nil.
The 2024 UEFA Super Cup triumph was Real Madrid’s sixth Super Cup title, making them the club with the most UEFA Super Cup wins. Jude Bellingham was named Man of the Match for his all-around performance. It was a dream start for Kylian Mbappe, who had never won any European title before – it was his first in his career. Ademola Lookman’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, as fans from around the world commented on his ball-playing ability and influence on the game.