Kylian Mbappe scored twice from the spot as Real Madrid survived a dramatic night against Marseille, edging a 2-1 win despite Dani Carvajal’s red card and an early injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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A chaotic night at the Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid began their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a hard-fought victory that had just about everything: goals, injuries, a red card, and controversy.
Marseille struck first on the counter, with Mason Greenwood slipping a pass into Tim Weah, who finished clinically past Thibaut Courtois. But the French side’s defensive frailties soon showed. Geoffrey Kondogbia tripped Rodrygo in the box, handing Madrid a way back. Mbappe made no mistake from the penalty spot to level the score.
The game swung again when Dani Carvajal recklessly headbutted Geronimo Rulli and was sent off, leaving Madrid down to ten men. Just when it seemed Marseille might capitalise, fortune favoured Los Blancos. Facundo Medina handled inside the area, and Mbappe coolly converted his second penalty of the night to seal the win.
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Real Madrid player ratings vs Marseille
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Produced key saves to keep Madrid alive. No chance on Weah’s strike.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (N/A): Forced off after just four minutes with what looked like a hamstring problem.
- Eder Militao (5/10): Struggled with composure, sloppy on the ball, and picked up a needless booking.
- Dean Huijsen (8/10): Strong and composed, bouncing back well from his weekend red card. Dominant in duels.
- Alvaro Carreras (7/10): Reliable at left-back, matched Greenwood physically and defensively.
Midfield
- Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10): Steady at the base, recovered possession often but lacked urgency going forward.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): Tireless running, defensive cover, and tidy in possession.
- Arda Guler (5/10): Dangerous creatively, linking with Mbappe, but defensively slack — his giveaway led to Marseille’s goal.
Attack
- Franco Mastantuono (6/10): Full of energy and direct running, though decision-making was inconsistent.
- Kylian Mbappe (8/10): The difference-maker. Scored twice from the spot and threatened throughout.
- Rodrygo (7/10): Earned the first penalty and created chances, showing sharpness on the left.
Substitutes & Manager
- Dani Carvajal (4/10): Solid until his reckless headbutt undid his night.
- Brahim Diaz (5/10): Energetic cameo, but still finding rhythm.
- Vinicius Jr (6/10): Drove at defenders relentlessly, played a role in winning the decisive penalty.
- Raul Asencio (N/A): Emergency cover after Carvajal’s dismissal.
- Xabi Alonso (6/10): A wild Champions League debut as coach. Dealt with early injury and a red card but saw his side scrape through.
Madrid weren’t at their fluent best, losing a right-back to injury and another to a red card, but Mbappe’s composure and clinical finishing ensured a winning start in their hunt for Champions League redemption.
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