Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille: Mbappe's Brace Secures Comeback Victory in Champions League Opener
NEWSOTHER NEWSSPORT
9/16/20251 min read
Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille: Mbappe's Brace Secures Comeback Victory in Champions League Opener
MADRID – Real Madrid came from behind to defeat a resilient Olympique de Marseille 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, in a dramatic start to their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. A brace of penalties from Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory for the home side, who finished the match with ten men.
The match began with a significant blow for Real Madrid, as new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury just five minutes into his Champions League debut for the club. He was replaced by Dani Carvajal.
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid dominated the opening stages, with Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli making several key saves to deny the likes of Rodrygo and Mbappé. Against the run of play, Marseille took a surprising lead when Timothy Weah capitalized on a defensive error from Dean Huijsen and Arda Güler, slotting the ball home.
However, Real Madrid's pressure soon paid off. Rodrygo was fouled in the box by Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Mbappé calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the score before halftime.
The second half continued to be a tense affair. Real Madrid's hopes of a comfortable victory were put in jeopardy when Dani Carvajal was shown a straight red card for a clash with Rulli, leaving the home side to play the final 20 minutes with a man down.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid's star power shone through. They were awarded a second penalty after a handball by Facundo Medina in the box. Mbappé once again stepped up to the spot, drilling his shot past Rulli to score his 50th goal for the club and secure the 2-1 lead.
Marseille pushed for a late equalizer, with their best chance falling to Mason Greenwood, who shot over the bar. Real Madrid, with a man disadvantage, held on to their narrow lead to claim all three points on the opening night of the Champions League group stage. Kylian Mbappé was named Player of the Match for his decisive performance.