Mbappe could make Real Madrid debut in UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta
Kylian Mbappe, Kylian, Mbappe (Photo: Reuters)
Kylian Mbappe. Vincius Junior. Endrik. Judas Bellingham. Rodrygo. Arda Guler.
Real Madrid can call upon a number of world-class attackers for the opening league match of the 2024-25 season.
And Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperino wants them all to play against his team on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup.
You never know who you have to hope won’t play, Gasperini said on Tuesday, shortly after arriving at the National Stadium in Warsaw, where the match will be played.
So I hope they put together their best team, because you can only perform at your best when you’re up against the best opponents.
Mbappe is the biggest draw after finally joining Madrid following a protracted saga with former club Paris Saint-Germain. He was introduced to the club’s fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium last month after playing for France at the European Championships, but was not included in the squad for the US tour.
He started training with Madrid last week and is expected to play for the 15-time European champions against Atalanta.
The Italian team starts as underdogs, just like when they defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to win their first European title and the first trophy for the club in 61 years.
“We come without the usual feel-good factor,” Gasperini said through an interpreter, “and with our usual need to shock and amaze.
The Super Cup is an annual competition between the winners of the previous season’s Champions League and Europa League.
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First publication: Aug 14, 2024 | 09:51 AM IST