Real Madrid vs Atalanta: 5 Predictions For The Super Cup

Real Madrid will begin their competitive campaign in midweek, as they face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. Los Blancos earned the right to play in this fixture by winning the UEFA Champions League, which came as a surprise to nobody, considering their incredible success in European competition.

Pre-season hasn't been as long for Real Madrid as it has been for other clubs. This is a result of their pre-season campaign starting late (due to their involvement in the Champions League final) and subsequently, their pre-season ending early (due to their upcoming involvement in the Super Cup).

Alas, there is plenty of excitement for the presitgious match between Real Madrid and Atalanta. Here are five predictions for the UEFA Super Cup this week.

Real Madrid vs Atalanta: 5 Predictions For The Super Cup

1. Kylian Mbappe will be handed his Real Madrid debut

Kylian Mbappe has been unveiled as a Real Madrid player. His unveiling, which is a tradition for the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, was filled with plenty of excitement. The French superstar has long-awaited his transfer to Real Madrid, so it's understandable that fans of Real Madrid and universal footballing fans are awaiting his Real Madrid debut.

In pre-season, Kylian Mbappe was not involved for Real Madrid. This is because Mbappe was involved in EURO 2024 action with France, so he was granted extended holiday, along with other Real Madrid players.

This could only set Kylian Mbappe up for his competitive debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. In many ways, Mbappe was signed by Real Madrid for matches like this, whereby silverware is at stake. Despite still being young, Mbappe has experience of huge occasions like this. Therefore, it would be great to see Kylian Mbappe handed his debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.

2. Jude Bellingham will play a role from the bench

Kylian Mbappe's involvement in the match could mean one of the "big four" (Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius and Bellingham) will have to sit out. That is, of course, a difficult decision for Carlo Ancelotti to make. So, it could come down to a simple case of player fitness.

Jude Bellingham will be the least fit of the big four, given he reached the final of EURO 2024 with England. Not to mention the manner in which England qualified, which involved a few matches going to extra time and being physically demanding. Bellingham was key to each of those matches, so it would naturally take him more time to recover than his teammates.

In the buildup to the UEFA Super Cup, Bellingham was involved in a "non-starting XI" in Real Madrid training. Therefore, many see this as a hint that the Englishman could be rested on the bench.

Either way, he was Real Madrid's top goal-scorer in La Liga last season, so Bellingham will not completely be dropped. Resting him might be wise, but involving him as a bench option is the wisest choice.

3. Luka Modric to fulfil the Toni Kroos role

With Toni Kroos not involved in a big match, the first time for many years, Real Madrid must be prepared to fulfil the role. Certainly, Kroos' boots are massive boots to fill but luckily for Carlo Ancelotti, he has another club legend who is more than equipped for the task.

In pre-season, Luka Modric was involved in a deeper role for Real Madrid. He essentially played in a deep-lying midfielder role, one which replicated that which Toni Kroos filled during his immense and illustrious time with Real Madrid. Acting in a double pivot, Modric more than impressed in pre-season, with Ancelotti hinting this could be his new role for the upcoming season.

If it's Ancelotti's aim to use Modric in this new role for the upcoming campaign, then he is best-placed to begin this project in the UEFA Super Cup. Certainly, Luka Modric has exceptional experience in matches like this.

4. Carlo Ancelotti to set a new UEFA Super Cup record

As a coach, Carlo Ancelotti has great experience in the UEFA Super Cup. The Italian boss has won the competition a total of four times. It is a record which has not been topped by any other coach. As things stand, though, he is tied with Pep Guardiola who has also won four Super Cups.

A win in this match would see Carlo Ancelotti set a new Super Cup record. He would become the most successful coach in the history of the UEFA Super Cup with five wins in the competition. This has to count for something.

It is worth noting that Carlo Ancelotti won two UEFA Super Cups with AC Milan, which are included within his overall tally. A win in the match on Wednesday would be his fifth overall and his third with Real Madrid, setting the new record and also bettering his tally with his beloved club AC Milan.

5. Real Madrid to set a new UEFA Super Cup record

Carlo Ancelotti will both be competing for a new personal record, but also one which sets Real Madrid on a pedestal. As things stand, Real Madrid have won five UEFA Super Cups. This is a record which is tied by FC Barcelona and AC Milan. Now, Real Madrid have an opportunity to set a new record.

A win on Wednesday evening would see Real Madrid become the most successful club in UEFA Super Cup history. If they beat Atalanta, they would have six Super Cups to their name, something which cannot be said by any other club.

Real Madrid have a history of setting new standards for the sport. Adding a new record into the mix would certainly set them even further apart from the competitors, and establish themselves as the undisputed biggest club in the world. This has to add fuel to their fire.

What is your score prediction for the UEFA Super Cup?

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