Mbappe Emerges as Real Madrid's Savior in Thrilling 2-1 Comeback Against Marseille
Kylian Mbappé's double strike propelled a depleted Real Madrid squad to victory over Marseille, securing a 2–1 triumph to launch Los Blancos' 2025–26 Champions League journey.
Following their poorest Champions League performance in half a decade last term, Real Madrid entered the Santiago Bernabéu determined to start fresh under Xabi Alonso's guidance. The Spanish tactician surprised everyone just sixty minutes before kickoff by leaving Vinícius Júnior on the bench, opting instead to deploy Rodrygo on the left flank.
Los Blancos began their Champions League opener with intensity, nearly scoring within the opening two minutes when Mbappé attempted an audacious overhead kick. However, the hosts' momentum was quickly disrupted when Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted after just five minutes due to what looked like a hamstring problem.
Alonso's squad continued creating opportunities against Gerónimo Rulli, but Marseille struck first in the 22nd minute. Mason Greenwood capitalized on a loose ball from Arda Güler's mistake, racing toward goal before setting up Tim Weah, who finished clinically with his right foot to give his team a 1–0 advantage.
Real Madrid found their equalizer approaching the thirty-minute mark. Geoffrey Kondogbia made a reckless challenge on Rodrygo within the penalty area, causing referee Irfan Peljto to instantly award a spot kick. Mbappé successfully converted from twelve yards to level the score for Los Blancos.
The French striker almost put his team ahead early in the second period, but his deflected shot struck the crossbar. Growing impatience among the Spanish champions in their pursuit of a decisive goal reached its peak in the 70th minute.
Dani Carvajal was shown a red card following a heated confrontation with Rulli after the two players clashed heads. For the second consecutive match, Real Madrid found themselves needing to stage a comeback with ten players.
Who better than Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé to deliver all three points for Real Madrid? A penetrating run by the Brazilian forced Facundo Medina into a desperate sliding challenge in his own penalty area, but the defender handled the ball. Mbappé then approached the penalty spot in the 81st minute and completed his double to clinch victory for Alonso's team.
Review Real Madrid's player ratings from the triumph below.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Marseille (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Thibaut Courtois | 6.8 |
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold | N/A |
CB: Éder Militão | 6.6 |
CB: Dean Huijsen | 7.2 |
LB: Álvaro Carreras | 7.6 |
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni | 7.7 |
DM: Fede Valverde | 7.3 |
RW: Franco Mastantuono | 7.7 |
AM: Arda Güler | 5.8 |
LW: Rodrygo | 8 |
ST: Kylian Mbappé | 9.3 |
SUB: Dani Carvajal (5' for Alexander-Arnold) | 6.1 |
SUB: Vinícius Júnior (63' for Rodrygo) | 6.4 |
SUB: Brahim Díaz (63' for Mastantuono) | 6.7 |
SUB: Raúl Asencio (73' for Güler) | 6.4 |
Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Fran González (GK), David Alaba, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Gonzalo García.
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé
Olympique Marseille (4-2-3-1): Gerónimo Rulli; Benjamin Pavard, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Emerson; Geoffrey Kondogbia, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg; Mason Greenwood, Matthew O'Riley, Tim Weah; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Subs: Igor Paixão, Arthur Vermeeren, Michael Amir Murillo, Amine Gouiri, CJ Egan-Riley.