Real Madrid, armed with a galaxy of attacking stars, are set to kick off their 2024-25 season in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta. The Italian side, however, is undeterred by the daunting challenge, aiming to pull off another upset after their historic Europa League victory.
Gian Piero Gasperini, the Atalanta coach, acknowledged the sheer firepower at Real Madrid’s disposal, admitting that he wasn’t sure who to hope wouldn’t be playing. He expressed his desire for Real Madrid to field their strongest lineup, stating that only facing the best brings out the best in his team.
The biggest name in the Real Madrid attack is, of course, Kylian Mbappe. The French forward, following a much-publicized move from Paris Saint-Germain, finally joined his new club and was officially presented to the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last month. While he missed the team’s preseason tour in the United States, Mbappe has resumed training with the squad and is expected to feature against Atalanta.
Atalanta, despite being the underdog, boasts a strong fighting spirit, as evidenced by their Europa League triumph. Gasperini emphasized their desire to surprise and impress once again.
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual clash between the winners of the previous season’s Champions League and Europa League. Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League champions, will be aiming for another prestigious trophy to begin their campaign, while Atalanta seeks to prove their mettle against one of the world’s biggest clubs.
