UCL: Real Madrid Edges Marseille 2-1 in Thrilling Champions League Opener
Kylian Mbappé scores two penalties as Real Madrid defeats Marseille 2-1 in their Champions League opener, despite being reduced to 10 men.
Timothy Weah continued to test Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a powerful long-range strike...
Kylian Mbappé scored two penalties as Real Madrid battled to a 2-1 victory over Marseille in their Champions League opener, despite being reduced to 10 men. Los Blancos got off to a bright start, with Mbappé sending an acrobatic attempt wide, but their momentum was halted when Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off injured after just three minutes due to a hamstring issue. He was replaced by Dani Carvajal.
Marseille took the lead in the 22nd minute when Timothy Weah calmly slotted home a first-time finish after Mason Greenwood stole possession from Arda Guler. However, Real Madrid equalized six minutes later when Geoffrey Kondogbia's clumsy challenge on Rodrygo earned them a penalty, which Mbappé coolly converted. The score remained level until the 72nd minute when Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Despite being down to 10 men, Real Madrid took the lead when Facundo Medina handled the ball in the box, and Mbappé scored his second penalty. Marseille's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had several chances to equalize but was denied by Thibaut Courtois's impressive saves. Courtois also made a late save to deny Mason Greenwood, securing the win for Real Madrid.
The match remained intense, with Real Madrid pushing forward relentlessly. By the 10th minute, Franco Mastantuono hit the post, and Rodrygo had two shots saved by Gerónimo Rulli. The Argentine goalkeeper made another crucial save, spreading himself well to deny Kylian Mbappé.
Despite Real Madrid's dominance, Marseille's threat was evident when Timothy Weah's shot narrowly missed the top corner. The French side then shocked the Santiago Bernabéu in the 22nd minute with a swift counterattack. Mason Greenwood intercepted Arda Güler's pass and set up Weah, who scored with a precise shot past Thibaut Courtois.
Timothy Weah continued to test Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a powerful long-range strike. However, Geoffrey Kondogbia's reckless foul on Rodrygo gifted Real Madrid a penalty, which Kylian Mbappé coolly converted to level the score.
The match remained intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Rodrygo's curling effort narrowly missed the target, while Aurélien Tchouaméni's strike was tipped over by Gerónimo Rulli. At the other end, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's shot hit the side netting. Rulli made several crucial saves, denying Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono, to keep the scores level at halftime.
After the break, Real Madrid continued to push forward, with Mbappé's shot deflecting off Aubameyang's boot onto the crossbar. The Marseille striker then tested Courtois with a powerful strike. However, Real Madrid's momentum was disrupted when Dani Carvajal was sent off in the 72nd minute for headbutting Rulli.
Mbappé double ⚽⚽#UCL pic.twitter.com/TqYNUCa6I1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 16, 2025
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Real Madrid capitalized on Marseille's mistake when Facundo Medina handled the ball in the box while challenging Vinícius Júnior. This led to another penalty, which Mbappé converted, slotting the ball past Rulli to seal a 2-1 win for Los Blancos.
In the final stages of the match, Mason Greenwood had two opportunities to equalize for Marseille, but Thibaut Courtois denied one attempt and Greenwood sent another over the crossbar. Real Madrid's victory marked a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, building on their strong form in LaLiga.
For Marseille, the defeat extended their losing streak on the road, having also lost away to Stade Rennais and Olympique Lyonnais this season. The disappointment highlights the challenges Marseille faces in their quest for success in the league and European competitions.
Match Stats:
Score: Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
Goals:
- Timothy Weah (Marseille, 22nd minute)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, 28th and 81st minutes)
- Red Card: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, 72nd minute)
- Possession: Marseille 56%, Real Madrid 44%
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 16, Marseille 5
This win continues Real Madrid's perfect record against Marseille and marks a successful Champions League debut for coach Xabi Alonso.
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