“I was very keen” - Kylian Mbappe speaks out about his first Real Madrid goal following UEFA Super Cup success
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe was happy about scoring his first goal for Los Blancos in their 2-0 win over Italian side Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup (August 14). The Frenchman, who was making his competitive debut for the club in the game, marked the occasion with a stellar finish.
Mbappe joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract with French juggernauts Paris Saint-Germain in June 2024. The move concluded an almost decade-long transfer saga, with the 25-year-old calling it a 'dream come true'.
Being the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League winners, Real went into the game as favorites over Gian Piero Gasperini's 2023-24 Europa League-winning side. Yet, akin to the UCL final, Carlo Ancelotti's side endured an uninspiring and goalless first half.
However, they turned on the heat in the second half, with Federico Valverde (59') and Mbappe (68') scoring within ten minutes of each other. The Uruguayan tapped a cross from Vinicius Jr. into an empty net, while a low cross from Jude Bellingham was duly slotted into the top-right corner by the Frenchman.
Speaking about the goal, Mbappe said (via @MadridXtra on X):
"First goal with Real Madrid? It was very special. It's a long-awaited goal, I was very keen on starting this new adventure with Real Madrid. To start well, to start with a trophy is very special but to play for this club, the biggest in the world is even more special."
Mbappe will next likely be seen in action when the 36-time Spanish champions take on Mallorca in the opening fixture of their 2024-25 La Liga campaign on Sunday (August 18).
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reacts to Kylian Mbappe's debut goal in UEFA Super Cup
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was over the moon after superstar signing Kylian Mbappe scored on his competitive debut for the club. The strike inspired Carlo Ancelotti's side to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
The 77-year-old was beaming with joy while talking to reporters after his side lifted their first trophy of the 2024-25 campaign. Perez said (via Madrid Universal):
"I am very happy. We are starting the season, it is the first title we have won and this will encourage us to do our best. It will give us energy for a season that, as we all know, is going to be very difficult."
Perez went on to lavish special praise on Mbappe, claiming that the goal would give him great 'encouragement' for the season ahead. He added:
"The fact that Mbappe has debuted with the Real Madrid shirt scoring will give him a lot of encouragement to have a good season. He is very happy. When he picked up his medal, he was happy. It is not easy to debut at Real Madrid with a goal and he has entered on a very good foot."