First show, first goal, first title! Mbappe's perfect start, Real Madrid BMV officially debuted as a group!
A New Chapter Begins for Real Madrid: Victory in the European Super Cup
In a historic night at Warsaw National Stadium, Real Madrid ushered in a new era by claiming the European Super Cup for the sixth time in the club's storied history. The reigning Champions League winners secured a 2-0 victory over Europa League champions Atalanta, with goals from Federico Valverde and the newly signed Kylian Mbappe, who scored in his debut for Los Blancos.
The match saw the emergence of a formidable attacking trio that is quickly becoming the talk of Spanish football: Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr., collectively dubbed the "BMV" combination. All three, each valued at around €180 million, played a crucial role in the victory. Mbappe, known for his clinical finishing, netted his first goal for Real Madrid, while Jude Bellingham, who assisted the French superstar, was named the Man of the Match. Vinicius Jr. also made his mark by setting up Valverde's opening goal, breaking the deadlock and setting the stage for Real Madrid's triumph.
The BMV trio's immediate impact on the pitch has drawn comparisons to legendary attacking units of the past, such as Real Madrid's "BBC" (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano), Barcelona's "MSN" (Messi, Suarez, Neymar), and PSG's "MMN" (Messi, Mbappe, Neymar). For Mbappe, this match marked a dream start to his Real Madrid career, setting the bar high for what fans can expect in the coming season.
Before the game, the spotlight was firmly on Mbappe, who had missed Real Madrid's pre-season tour in North America due to his involvement in the European Championship. Just six days after joining his new teammates in training, Mbappe scored his first goal in a Real Madrid shirt, earning rapturous applause from the Warsaw crowd. His substitution after the goal was met with a standing ovation, signaling the beginning of what many expect to be a stellar career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After the match, praise for Mbappe was widespread. Manager Carlo Ancelotti highlighted the Frenchman's exceptional abilities, noting his seamless integration into the team and his defensive contributions. Bellingham, delighted to assist Mbappe's debut goal, shared in the excitement, while other teammates, including Thibaut Courtois and Vinicius Jr., also expressed their admiration for the new star in Madrid's galaxy. Club president Florentino Perez was equally enthusiastic, declaring that Mbappe's debut would boost his confidence and set the tone for a successful season.
This match was a significant milestone for Mbappe, who had previously struggled to find the net in his debut matches for both Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. However, his debut for Real Madrid was a different story, as he not only scored but also helped secure his first European title. This achievement places him alongside Marco Asensio, who similarly scored in his debut for Real Madrid and helped the team win the UEFA Super Cup in 2016.
Mbappe's knack for performing in high-stakes matches has earned him the title of a "final killer." Since the 2018 World Cup final, the French forward has scored nine goals in twelve finals across various competitions, with seven of those goals coming in his last six final appearances. With this latest triumph, Mbappe has added his 19th career trophy to his collection, matching the legendary Thierry Henry and closing in on the record held by Karim Benzema.
Although Real Madrid struggled in the first half, the BMV trio found their rhythm after the break, demonstrating the potential for greatness. Mbappe set an ambitious target for the season, aiming to score 50 goals while helping the team achieve victory. His debut was not just a showcase of individual brilliance but also a glimpse into how well he fits into Ancelotti's system, promising a bright future for Real Madrid.
Bellingham's performance was equally impressive, earning him the MVP award for his contributions. His decisive passes led to both of Real Madrid's goals, highlighting his importance to the team's success. Vinicius Jr., who played a key role in both goals, also proved his worth, further justifying his astronomical transfer fee.
Ancelotti's tactical decisions were crucial in balancing the responsibilities of his star-studded lineup. Mbappe took on the role of the central striker, with Vinicius Jr. maintaining his position on the left and Bellingham operating just behind the front line. This setup allowed Real Madrid to dominate in the midfield and create numerous scoring opportunities.
While comparisons between the BMV and BBC combinations are inevitable, Real Madrid fans are optimistic that the younger, more dynamic BMV trio will lead the club to new heights. The synergy between these billion-euro players, coupled with the talents of other stars like Aurelien Tchouameni, gives Real Madrid a powerful advantage in their pursuit of silverware this season.
As the season unfolds, Real Madrid could play as many as 72 matches, with the UEFA Super Cup victory serving as just the beginning. The successful debut of the BMV combination has raised expectations, and fans are eager to see how this team will fare against the best in Europe. With a squad brimming with talent and potential, Real Madrid is poised to continue its dominance on the continental stage.