Eyes On Mbappe, Lookman As Real, Atalanta Clash In Super Cup

Kylian Mbappe and Ademola Lookman are poised to play key roles when reigning Champions League winners, Real Madrid, take on Europa League holders Atalanta in Warsaw for tonight’s UEFA Super Cup.

2018 World Cup winner, Mbappe, is expected to make his official debut for Real after he joined the Champions League holders from French giants PSG this summer while Atalanta will expect Lookman to reproduce the magic he posted when his hat trick in the final of Europa League powered them past Bayer Leverkusen.

While Real Madrid’s current total of five UEFA Super Cup crowns puts them at the top of the charts alongside their two recent conquerors in Barcelona and Milan, today’s battle in Warsaw will represent Atalanta’s baptism in the continental curtain-raiser after their Lookman-inspired Europa League triumph.

From missing a horrendous panenka penalty against West Ham United during his Fulham days to becoming the first man to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, Lookman may have single-handedly destroyed the Leverkusen defence goals-wise, but coach Gian Piero Gasperini received numerous plaudits for how his troops pressed the Bundesliga Invincibles off the park.

Mbappe has been observing Real’s mixed preseason from afar – Ancelotti’s men overcame Chelsea and Albacete either side of defeats to AC Milan and Barcelona but will now aid Los Blancos’ quest for an unprecedented sixth UEFA Super Cup honour.

Neither Real Madrid nor Atalanta have been performing exceptionally well in pre-season. This may be partly due to the disruption caused by the Euros, Copa America, and Olympics.

Nonetheless, Gasperini’s team is highly respected by their more esteemed adversaries. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged this fact when he said, “Atalanta deserve to be here, they are a great team and had an amazing season. We hope to be the best team on Wednesday.