Kylian Mbappe converted two penalties to secure Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in his UEFA Champions League 2025-26 group stage opener despite playing the last phases with 10 men after Captain Dani Carvajal was sent.
The Santiago Bernabeu was the stage for a dramatic competition, with moments of the keepers’ sparkle, a striking error from a young star and late controversy, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Real Madrid started on the front foot, with Mbappe almost produced a spectacular opener via a bicycle kick from the box that just flew wide from the post.
It was Marseille that pulled the first blood in the 22nd minute, when Timothy used Weah in an expensive mistake by Arda Guler.
The Turkish midfielder was expropriated in midfield by Mason Greenwood, as a result of which the former Manchester United would go through a passage to Weah, who ran free from Madrid’s defense before he hit an unstoppable shot past Thibaut Courtois.
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Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli was the striking artist in the first half and denied Madrid 10 times, including a stunning save with one hand to thwart Mbappe from the point of a point.
However, the visitor’s lead lasted only seven minutes, while Geoffrey Kondogbia Rodrygo stumbled awkwardly in the penalty area and Mbappe equalized for the 15-way European champion.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 72nd minute when Carvajal was sent for the head-butting Rulli in a heated fight.
Mbappe, however, had the last word in the 87th minute, after replacement Vinicius JR had made a great run and the ball bent the boot of Facundo Medina and hit the vast arm of the defender.
«It was a difficult night because we were up to 10 men, but we showed our Champions League spirit in the Santiago Bernabeu. We know we can win against everyone here, and we are happy for the victory,» said Mbappe Movistar Plus.
«Analyzing handball is very complicated. For me it is a penalty, but I understand that some people don’t think so. We are all confused by this rule. They said it was a penalty, I took it and I scored,» he added.
Published on September 17, 2025
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