Kylian Mbappe struck twice from the penalty spot to rescue Real Madrid in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille as the 15-time Champions League winners kicked off their European campaign on Tuesday night.
The contest at the Santiago Bernabéu was marked by controversy, early injuries, and a red card, but Madrid managed to grind out the result. Timothy Weah had given Marseille a shock lead before Mbappe converted his first penalty. Defender Dani Carvajal’s dismissal for headbutting goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli left the Spanish giants under pressure, but the forward’s late second penalty turned the game in Madrid’s favour.
It was a tough initiation into Europe’s elite competition for Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, overseeing his first Champions League match since taking charge. His plans were unsettled within minutes when Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off with a thigh injury. Alonso made several rotations to preserve his squad’s freshness, leaving Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham on the bench, though neither appeared.
The visitors showed plenty of ambition under Roberto De Zerbi. Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old midfielder, nearly broke the deadlock with a strike against the post, while Mason Greenwood stole possession to set up Weah’s thumping opener past Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper later denied Weah again as the American attacker shone on his Champions League debut.
Madrid levelled when Geoffrey Kondogbia fouled Rodrygo in the box, with Mbappe confidently firing past Rulli to equalise. Aubameyang came close for Marseille after the restart, but the momentum shifted when Carvajal clashed with Rulli, earning a straight red card and leaving Madrid short-handed.
Despite the disadvantage, Madrid found a way. Facundo Medina was judged to have handled the ball while sliding to block Vinicius, and Mbappe stepped up once more to calmly deliver the winner. His decisive strike ensured Madrid mirrored their resilience from their previous La Liga outing, where they also triumphed after going down to 10 men.
The result maintains Real Madrid’s unbeaten start to the season, though the match leaves lingering debate over the officiating decisions that defined the night.
What you should know
Kylian Mbappe’s brace of penalties highlighted Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Marseille in a fiery Champions League opener.
Xabi Alonso endured an early injury blow to Trent Alexander-Arnold and a red card to Dani Carvajal, but Mbappe’s composure from the spot kept Madrid’s winning run alive.
The French star, still chasing his first Champions League trophy after leaving PSG, proved decisive once again on Europe’s biggest stage.
