Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid secured a 2:1 comeback victory against Marseille at home to kick off their Champions League main phase campaign
- Kylian Mbappé scored both goals for Madrid from the penalty spot, while Daniel Carvajal was sent off in the 72nd minute
- Marseille’s goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli set a new record for saves and provoked Carvajal’s dismissal, but his efforts were not enough to deny the hosts
Match Analysis: Relentless Madrid Overcome Adversity
Real Madrid started their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2:1 victory over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu, overcoming both an early deficit and a numerical disadvantage. The visitors from France struck first through Timothy Weah in the 22nd minute after a swift counter-attack, capitalising on a mistake from Arda Güler and a precise pass from Mason Greenwood.
Just seven minutes later, Los Blancos found themselves level when Geoffrey Kondogbia brought down Rodrygo in the area. Kylian Mbappé confidently converted the resulting penalty to equalise for the hosts. Despite a raft of missed opportunities from both sides, neither could take the lead before the break, largely thanks to an inspired display by Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli, who consistently thwarted Madrid’s attempts on goal and set a new record for saves.
😱 When you reach 50 goals for Real Madrid! pic.twitter.com/aonbtr9Zvy
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 16, 2025
The rhythm remained frenetic in the second half. Real Madrid pressed to find a winner, but their task grew even more daunting when Daniel Carvajal, who had replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 5th minute, was sent off in the 72nd minute for an off-the-ball incident involving Rulli. Nevertheless, the Spanish side continued to press forward, and a dubious handball by Facundo Medina in the area handed them another chance from the spot. Mbappé again converted, securing all three points for Madrid in the 81st minute despite their numerical disadvantage.
Key Moments and Tactical Overview
The encounter began at a high tempo, with Kylian Mbappé nearly putting the hosts in front inside the opening two minutes following Álvaro Carreras’ cross and a failed clearance from Benjamin Pavard. The French forward’s bicycle kick flashed narrowly wide. Soon after, Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with a suspected muscle strain and replaced by Dani Carvajal, whose later red card would shape the remainder of the contest.
Franco Mastantuono’s early effort struck the post, and Rodrygo’s shot soon after failed to trouble Rulli seriously. By the 22nd minute, OM had weathered the early pressure and capitalised on Güler’s mistake, as Weah finished Greenwood’s setup past Thibaut Courtois. From there, the match became a showcase of attacking intent from both sides, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arda Güler, and Mastantuono all coming close for their respective teams.
The hosts made tactical changes when Xabi Alonso introduced Vinícius Júnior and Brahim Díaz in the second half, increasing their attacking impetus even after being reduced to 10 men. Vinícius Júnior played a crucial role in forcing the deciding penalty after his break prompted Facundo Medina’s handball.
| Scorers | Timothy Weah (22′) – Marseille | Kylian Mbappé (29′ pen, 81′ pen) – Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cards | Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid, 72′) | |
| Significant Events | Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off due to injury in 5th minute | |
Team News and Lineups
Xabi Alonso continued his impressive start at the Real Madrid helm, remaining unbeaten and overseeing another comeback victory with a man disadvantage, just as against Real Sociedad. The squad was missing Antonio Rüdiger, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy due to injury, but Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga both returned to the matchday squad, albeit without making an appearance.
Alonso made four adjustments from the win over Real Sociedad: Rodrygo, Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde, and Franco Mastantuono started, while Vinícius Júnior, Dani Ceballos, Carvajal, and Brahim Díaz dropped to the bench initially. In attack, Rodrygo and Mastantuono flanked Kylian Mbappé, with Valverde, Arda Güler, and Aurélien Tchouaméni comprising the midfield trio.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, without Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traorè through injury, deployed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the lone striker. The creative trio behind him consisted of Matt O’Riley, Mason Greenwood, and Timothy Weah. Geoffrey Kondogbia and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg patrolled the midfield, with Benjamin Pavard anchoring the defence.
Match Statistics
Statistically, Real Madrid dominated possession and created a multitude of opportunities but struggled to find the net from open play due to Rulli’s heroics and a resilient Marseille defence. OM, however, carved their own chances, with Courtois called upon to deny Greenwood and Aubameyang in key moments.
Marseille’s late effort to salvage a point fell short as Greenwood narrowly missed in stoppage time, ensuring Madrid’s perfect record against OM in the Champions League remained intact after five meetings.
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
This victory cements an auspicious start for Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid, emphasising the squad’s fighting spirit and adaptability under adversity. The extent of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury is yet to be determined and will be assessed in due course. Despite the defeat, Marseille leave with credit, having troubled the Spanish giants and produced a spirited performance.
