Ronaldo, the Brazilian, started the trend in 2002, Kylian Mbappé has kept the trend alive. Signing for Real Madrid and starting with the number 9 on your back almost guarantees a goal in your first match under the roof of the White House. “R9” had scored a brace, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese and temporary 9, had only waited 35 minutes to score. It took almost double the time for the former Paris Saint-Germain star to unleash this winning right-footed strike (2-0, 68th).
While Vinicius had tried to make his new partner shine a few seconds earlier, Jude Bellingham inherited the ball at the second post. Mbappé cleverly freed himself from the mass of Bergamo defenders before projecting himself towards the penalty spot. The Englishman’s pass slipped into the right tempo, the French international triggered first intention, the nets trembled. “Kyks” arrived well.
If the 25-year-old striker’s statistics sheet remained as immaculate as his new Blanco jersey for over an hour, he has already put his first cross in the trophy column of his Iberian adventure. Thanks to this goal of the break, which quickly followed Federico Valverde’s opening goal (59th), the Merengue won the European Super Cup at the expense of Atalanta Bergamo (2-0), the last winner of the Europa League, this Wednesday.
Ovationed
The first half, however, was uneventful. Both teams hit the bar, the Madrid supporters had to moderate their expectations in order to let the EEG go wild. In the 15th minute, the Bondy player had a first chance. Served in front of the penalty spot by Federico Valverde, he tried with one touch. But, Isak Hien was in the area to block the Frenchman’s attempt.
For an hour, Atalanta’s physical defenders kept the evening’s attraction in check. They didn’t let go, even when he was repeatedly dropped. Even if it meant dealing blows to prevent him from turning around. Real’s number 9 also complained to the referee about repeated fouls.
If the new Madrid player had concocted a solid preparation program after three weeks of vacation, the physical advantage was on the Italian side. The smiles captured in training reflect a nascent understanding between the new Galacticos, but the only week spent by the former Monaco player has logically not yet left time for automatisms to emerge. Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham have nevertheless sought to get closer to the Tricolore.
Mbappé must find his bearings under the leadership of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who advocates the free movement of talent on the pitch, whereas Luis Enrique was more in control. Initially more visible than the ex-Parisian, his attacking teammates did not hesitate to share the spotlight with him. Ancelotti took it upon himself to add some sound to this clarity. The Italian coach provoked an ovation from the Madrid supporters by replacing him in the 83rd minute. The spectators had already gone into raptures over the slightest forward pass from the striker. The latter knew how to reward them with a real reason to vibrate.
