Jude Bellingham assists Kylian Mbappe as Real Madrid wins Super Cup

Jude Bellingham gave a glimpse of the exciting relationship he has with Kylian Mbappe as he helped the Frenchman score his first Real Madrid goal. Los Blancos won the Super Cup in Poland, beating Atalanta 2-0 with a team set to dominate both domestically and in Europe this season.

Bellingham adopted a similar attacking midfield position to the one he played for England at Euro 2024. However, he looked much more comfortable playing in a Real side packed with the world's best talent.

Mbappe's goal marked the start of a relatively low-key affair. The 25-year-old sealed a highly anticipated move from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, terminating his contract with the French club to sign for the Spanish giants.

Vinicius Junior made a meandering run and crossed for Bellingham. The midfielder played a pass that allowed Mbappe to find space in the centre of the penalty area.

Real's new number nine slotted his first goal into the top corner. A hug with Bellingham during the celebrations suggested the pair have already formed a partnership off the pitch. There will be little teams can do to stop them on the pitch this season.

Mbappe's goal came less than 10 minutes after Federico Valverde's 59th-minute opener. Vinicius, the night's best player, broke away from his scorer, raced to the goal line and laid the ball back for Valverde to convert the simplest of finishes.

This annual meeting between the Champions League and Europa League winners was a particularly lopsided affair. It was a clash between a frugal club cementing its place among Italy’s top teams and a long-time European heavyweight that has assembled one of the best national teams in history. Atalanta inflicted Bayer Leverkusen’s only defeat last season but hardly threatened Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

Bellingham was given the freedom to join an attack featuring Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo. Valverde was deeper in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, an £85m talent who looked comfortable in Toni Kroos' shoes.

As if that starting XI wasn't enough, Carlo Ancelotti was able to count on veteran Luka Modric and talented youngster Arda Guler. Brazilian prodigy Endrick was given a night off, which showed the riches Ancelotti has at his disposal.

If Real fail to retain their Champions League title at the end of the season, there will be disappointment at the Bernabéu. For Bellingham and Mbappé, who endured a difficult Euro 2024 with France, it was the perfect start to a relationship that hopes to become the protagonists of a trophy-winning machine.