Real Madrid laid down a marker for the 2024/25 season with victory in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta.
Los Blancos flexed in the second half against Europa League champions Atalanta to secure a 2-0 victory for Carlo Ancelotti's team in Warsaw.
On a crunch night for the defending La Liga and Champions League champions, they showed experience and quality, as Kylian Mbappe fired home a debut goal.
Mbappe's arrival in the Spanish capital is the major preseason talking point for Real Madrid with Ancelotti looking to balance his attack for the months ahead.
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Ancelotti is confident Mbappe can fit perfectly alongside Brazilian pair Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes as Jude Bellingham drops into a deeper role.
Bellingham's 19 La Liga goals capped a sensational first season in Madrid in 2023/24 as he played in a hybrid No.9 role, charged with raiding forward to support the front line.
However, he played in a freer No,10 position against Atalanta, still with a flexibility to burst forward, but with Mbappe as the focal point, and the England international is ready to cover where he is needed.
"I will do whatever Ancelotti wants. I will play anywhere, no problem. The coach trusts us to get a feel for the positions. When necessary, I can go up and, when I need to, I can help with the build-up.
"I will always be involved in helping the team win and that is the most important thing for me."
Bellingham's Super Cup final performance caught the eye, as linked with midfield partners Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, via a game-leading tally of passes into the final third (16), chances created (3), shots on goal (2) and shots (4) plus an assist for Mbappe.
Real Madrid start their La Liga title defence away at Mallorca on August 18.
