Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy forms the backdrop for the 2024/25 UEFA Super Cup showpiece between Real Madrid and Atalanta. Wednesday’s showdown in Poland pits La Dea against the 15-time Champions League winners in their first-ever appearance in this fixture.
Real Madrid enjoyed a memorable 2023/24 season. In addition to lifting the Supercopa de Espana title and dethroning Barcelona in La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti’s high-flying troops defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League final for a record-extending 15th trophy in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
Ancelotti got a handsome reward for his effort. After years of speculation, Real Madrid signed Kylian Mbappe immediately after EURO 2024. The French forward has joined Los Blancos as a free agent after running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. That transfer could affect another Serie A club, with Les Parisiens vying for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
On the other hand, this is uncharted territory for Atalanta. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side went above and beyond to win European silverware for the first time in the club’s history. After overcoming Liverpool in the quarter-finals, the Bergamo outfit knocked Bayer Leverkusen down from a European-record 51-match unbeaten run in the grand final.
Ademola Lookman’s match-winning hat-trick inspired Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 victory in Dublin and, in turn, set up this tie. Fresh off arresting a 61-year title drought and securing a top-four finish in Serie A, the Italian giants travel to Warsaw determined to upset the apple cart again and take home another flattering award.
Match Preview
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s experience in title-deciding games is off the charts. Only the bravest would bet against the record-time La Liga champions to falter in their ninth UEFA Super Cup appearance.
Interestingly, they’ve not been as prolific in this contest as on other fronts. They’ve only won five of their eight previous Super Cup clashes (L3), most recently beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in 2022.
However, Real Madrid’s form in 2023/24 was outstanding. Since an extra-time loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey last-16 in January, they’ve not lost any of their last 26 outings in all competitions (W18, D8).
Los Rojiblancos are also the last team to beat Ancelotti’s charges in 90 minutes. It happened in September 2023 as Atletico Madrid won a league encounter 3-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Atalanta
Real Madrid’s sterling run will hardly scare off Atalanta. Gasperini’s men showed heart and determination en route to their maiden European success last term. They fared equally well in Serie A, especially against top clubs.
As the 41st different side to feature in the UEFA Super Cup, Atalanta must bring their A-game to the table to pull off another upset. But history stands against them. Two of the last two debutants have ended up on the losing side, including Frankfurt’s abovementioned defeat against Madrid.
On top of that, the Champions League holders have emerged victorious from ten of the last 11 editions of the UEFA Super Cup. If it’s any consolation for Atalanta, the only exception to this trend was Real Madrid’s loss to Atletico in 2018.
Unfortunately, history is the least of Gasperini’s problems. The veteran tactician must deal with substantial personnel issues in one of the most significant games of his managerial career.
Team News
Not only Mbappe; another Real Madrid newcomer is in line for his competitive debut. Brazilian starlet Endrick is part of Ancelotti’s star-studded squad for this meeting. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham have returned to the fold in the build-up to this trip to Poland after extended holidays.
As such, David Alaba is the only high-profile absentee in the Spanish camp.
By contrast, Atalanta will take the field without several senior stars. Marquee summer signing Nicolo Zaniolo is out with an injury, as are Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Standout midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is no longer part of Gasperini’s plans after requesting a transfer to Juventus.
The same goes for the club-record arrival El Bilal Toure, who’s on the verge of joining Premier League minnows Bournemouth after just one season at the Gewiss Stadium.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta Potential Line-ups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Juan Musso; Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sead Kolasinac; Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, Ederson, Matteo Ruggeri; Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere; Mateo Retegui.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta Prediction
Given the firepower at Ancelotti’s disposal, it’s hard to imagine anything other than a routine victory for Real Madrid. However, Atalanta’s unique ability to deliver their best football in these high-octane matches leaves a small window of opportunity for the Italian club to claim the trophy.
We’d stick with the Spaniards, though there’s no doubt that Atalanta could make this clash competitive.
Prediction: Real Madrid to Win
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