Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Real Madrid started their UEFA Champions League campaign with a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. Down early and with 10 men after a dodgy red card, the hosts showed character under Xabi Alonso to take the three points in the group stage.
Kylian Mbappé shone with a penalty double in his first Champions League game for his boyhood club, extending Real Madrid’s unbeaten run in Europe. Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, looked good on the counter but couldn’t hold the lead, leaving them pointless after Matchday 1.
Goals
Marseille stunned the Bernabéu in the 22nd minute when Tim Weah scored on the break, firing past Thibaut Courtois after winning the ball from Arda Güler. The visitors’ lead lasted just seven minutes as Kylian Mbappé equalized from the spot in the 29th, calmly slotting low after a foul on Vinícius Júnior.
The game turned in the 72nd when substitute Dani Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Gerónimo Rulli, but Real Madrid fought back. In the 81st minute, Mbappé scored his second penalty after a handball by Valentin Carboni, sealing the win and moving him to 7th on the all-time Champions League scorers’ list.
Player of the Match
Kylian Mbappé was the clear Player of the Match for his two penalties. The French forward’s composure under pressure and work rate off the ball was exactly what Xabi Alonso asked for, turning the game in a big opener.
Real Madrid had 65% of the ball but struggled against Marseille’s high press early on, with Tim Weah and Mason Greenwood causing problems on the break. An early injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold brought on Dani Carvajal, only for him to headbutt Gerónimo Rulli in the 72nd minute.
Rulli’s dramatic fall was debatable but the ref had no choice. Thibaut Courtois made two big saves, denying Pierre-Emile Højbjerg late, while Federico Valverde kept the midfield going. Marseille hit the post through Amir Richardson, but Real Madrid’s depth paid off as subs like Endrick nearly added a third. This win sets up Real Madrid well for the title defence, while Marseille can take heart from their performance.
