Madrid — Kylian Mbappé delivered two decisive penalties to rescue Real Madrid in their Champions League opener, sealing a 2-1 comeback victory over Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
The French forward, already in scintillating form this season, struck from the spot in both halves after Timothy Weah’s opener for the visitors had briefly silenced the home crowd. But the win came wrapped in controversy, as Madrid finished with 10 men following Dani Carvajal’s red card for a headbutt on Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli.
Weah Puts Marseille Ahead
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, making his European debut in charge of the Spanish giants, was forced into early changes when Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a thigh injury in the opening minutes. Veteran Carvajal came on, but it was Marseille who struck first.
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Mason Greenwood dispossessed Arda Güler and set up Weah, who rifled his shot past Thibaut Courtois for his first goal in Marseille colors. Courtois later denied Weah a second as the French side pressed high with intent.
Madrid Rally Under Pressure
Madrid equalised when Geoffrey Kondogbia clattered into Rodrygo Goes inside the box, handing Mbappé the chance to level. The striker, who nearly scored earlier with a spectacular overhead kick, calmly dispatched his penalty.
Marseille refused to fold, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang going close twice after the interval. But the match’s turning point came when Carvajal was sent off for a rash clash with Rulli, leaving Madrid on the back foot again.
Late Drama at the Bernabéu
Despite being down to 10 men, Madrid found a way back. Substitute Vinícius Júnior was at the heart of the controversy when Facundo Medina’s sliding challenge left the referee pointing to the spot after the ball struck his arm.
Mbappé, unfazed by the protests, stepped up again to fire Madrid into the lead, securing three points in their quest for a record-extending 16th European crown.
Alonso’s Rotation Gamble
Alonso, who rested Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, defended his decision to rotate after a shortened pre-season, noting the need to keep the squad fresh across competitions. Still, questions will linger about Madrid’s discipline after finishing with 10 men for the second consecutive match.
For Marseille and coach Roberto De Zerbi, the performance showed promise despite the loss, with Weah and Aubameyang posing consistent threats. But in the end, it was Mbappé’s composure that made the difference.
Final Score: Real Madrid 2–1 Marseille
Goals: Weah (OM) 36’; Mbappé (RM) 42’ (pen.), 84’ (pen.)
Source: Accra Sports News
Last Updated on September 17, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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