The first piece of European glory for the 2024-25 campaign is set to be contested on Wednesday night, with Real Madrid and Atalanta BC facing off in Warsaw in the UEFA Super Cup showdown.
Real Madrid secured their 15th Champions League title last season, while Atalanta claimed a surprise victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Carlo Ancelotti, known as ‘Don Carlo’ in Madrid, guided his side to domestic success with only a last-16 exit in the Copa del Rey staining their record. Despite rumors linking him to the Brazil national team, Ancelotti has opted to remain at the helm for another season. The squad, which bid farewell to Toni Kroos and Nacho Fernandez, welcomes Kylian Mbappe to their ranks after a long pursuit.
Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, will be a key figure as Real Madrid aim to secure their sixth UEFA Super Cup title. The team has had a mixed pre-season, with wins over Chelsea and Albacete but defeats to AC Milan and Barcelona.
Atalanta, fresh off their Europa League triumph led by Ademola Lookman, will make their debut in the UEFA Super Cup. The Italian side also achieved a fourth-place finish in Serie A and were runners-up in the Coppa Italia.
Despite a rocky pre-season with disappointing results, Atalanta has shown they can rise to the occasion in crucial games, as seen in their European success. Gasperini’s men will also compete in the UEFA-CONMEBOL Club Challenge against LDU Quito and feature in the Supercoppa Italiana next year.
As the stage is set for the clash in Warsaw, both Real Madrid and Atalanta will be eager to kick off the new season with a trophy in hand.
