Atalanta didn’t disappoint in their maiden UEFA Super Cup appearance, but Real Madrid still ran out 2-0 victors in Warsaw to scoop up the trophy. La Dea manager Gian Piero Gasperini delivered his verdict on the game in the post-match interview, admitting he believed in his team’s chances to pull off an unlikely win at PGE Narodowy.
“I was quite confident that we could play a good game and challenge Real Madrid,” the Atalanta boss told Sky Sport Italia, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “The match changed after the second goal: they deserved the victory. In this type of game, it’s difficult to come back when you fall behind.
“We lost a good opportunity given how the match unfolded. There was a chance to take the lead: we need to be more clinical. I’m very proud, but we’re always missing that final touch; I’m sorry for the boys because they gave everything.”
Atalanta qualified for their first UEFA Super Cup final with a scintillating 3-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League title showpiece. Unfortunately, the Serie A club failed to add to their trophy cabinet on Wednesday as Real Madrid’s sheer firepower prevailed in Warsaw.
Federico Valverde’s opener early in the second half landed a devastating blow on Atalanta before Kylian Mbappe sealed the deal for Real Madrid on his debut for Los Blancos. In Gasperini’s defense, he lacked several first-team stars due to injuries and transfer-related reasons.
Nonetheless, Atalanta fared well against the world’s best team.
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