Kylian Mbappe scored twice from the penalty spot as 10-man Real Madrid secured a hard-fought victory over Marseille in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, 18 September.
Los Blancos suffered an early setback when Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury after just three minutes. The England full-back, making his first Champions League start for Madrid since leaving Liverpool, was replaced by Dani Carvajal in the fifth minute.
The match took another dramatic turn in the 72nd minute when Carvajal was sent off following a clash with Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, leaving Real down to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Madrid remained composed, with Mbappe stepping up twice to convert spot-kicks and secure the win. His goals took his tally to six in five games for the season.
Marseille had taken the lead in the 22nd minute through Timothy Weah, who struck powerfully past Thibaut Courtois after Mason Greenwood stole possession from Arda Guler in midfield. The French side’s advantage lasted only six minutes, as Mbappe converted the first penalty after Geoffrey Kondogbia fouled Rodrygo in the box.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came close to restoring Marseille’s lead, first dragging a shot wide and then seeing Courtois block a second attempt. Real’s persistence paid off when visiting defender Facundo Medina handled the ball inside the box, awarding another penalty, which Mbappe calmly dispatched past Rulli.
Real Madrid, 15-time European champions, are seeking to reclaim their Champions League crown after last season’s quarter-final exit to Arsenal. Manager Xabi Alonso, in his first season in charge, will also aim to improve on the club’s 11th-place finish in last term’s group stage, which forced them through the play-offs to reach the knockout rounds.
Madrid travel to Kazakhstan to face Kairat on 30 September, while Marseille host Ajax on the same evening.
