2024-08-16 10:20:01
The French superstar made his long-awaited debut for Los Blancos and got off to the perfect start as he scored the second goal on the night, after Federico Valverde had given the Spaniards the lead.
The UEFA Champions League holders looked in ominous form in the second half with Vinicius Junior, Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo linking up well and providing a constant threat.
Following the match, Mbappe was asked if reaching 50 goals for the campaign was a realistic target and he told Movistar: “We’re at Real Madrid, we have no limit, I have no limit.
“If I can score 50 goals, it’s 50. But the most important thing is to win and improve as a team, because we’re going to win as a team.”
Mbappe joined the La Liga giants from Paris Saint-Germain this summer on a free to end one of the longest transfer sagas in the modern era.
The forward missed the club’s pre-season tour in the United States after recovering from a broken nose suffered at the Euros this summer.
However, Mbappe looked in far better condition than he did for France during the international tournament and was delighted to score a goal and win a trophy on his full debut.
“A great night,” Mbappe added. “I’ve been waiting for this moment a long time, to play in this shirt, with this badge, for these fans. It’s a great moment for me.
“Winning a trophy is very important, we know that [at Madrid] we always have to win. I’m very happy, for sure with the goal, for a forward like me, being decisive in my first game, but more importantly it’s a pleasure to play.”
Bellingham, who picked up the MVP award for his performance against Atalanta, set up Mbappe for his first Madrid goal and detailed how the France international has already made an impact on his new team-mates.
“Amazing. You know. I thought he was amazing before,” Bellingham explained.
“And now I’ve got the chance to play with him. You see the details a little bit closer. The speed, the quality.
“The work without the ball, the way he is as a leader, he communicates. And I can’t speak highly enough of him really. It’s a big step-up for him. Obviously, people have been talking about him coming here for a long time.
“And, you know, it feels like he’s been there for a while. He’s settled right in. It’s a great team in terms of that. It’s a great dressing room for welcoming players. And yes, we’ll do the same with him and I’m sure he’ll give us more rewards like he did tonight.”
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was also full of praise for his new signing after the match, telling reporters: “Mbappe played very well. He was very helpful and scored a goal in his first game with the team.
“He’s worked well with the rest of the team. Connecting well with the other forwards. It’s been a good debut for him.”
Mbappe could make his La Liga debut on Sunday when Madrid start their title defence with a trip to Mallorca.
