Real Madrid Clash with Marseille: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
The Champions League league phase's opening matchday features Real Madrid facing Marseille for the first time in 16 years.
Attention centers on Xabi Alonso as he takes charge of his inaugural Champions League fixture with Real Madrid. The new manager faces pressure to guide the Spanish powerhouse back to European success following their quarterfinal elimination by Arsenal last season.
Los Blancos begin their campaign against a familiar foe they've never lost to: Marseille. The Madrid club boasts a flawless 4-0 record against the French side, giving them historical advantage over Roberto De Zerbi's team before Tuesday's encounter.
However, more than ten years have elapsed since these clubs last met on Europe's premier stage, creating opportunity for fresh dynamics in this matchup.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Champions League fixture.
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Marseille Kick-Off?
Real Madrid vs. Marseille Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Madrid | Marseille |
|---|---|
Real Sociedad 1–2 Real Madrid - 13/9/25 | Marseille 4–0 Lorient - 12/9/25 |
Real Madrid 2–1 Real Madrid - 30/8/25 | Lyon 1–1 Osasuna - 31/8/25 |
Real Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid - 24/8/25 | Marseille 5–2 Paris FC - 23/8/25 |
Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna - 19/8/25 | Rennes 1–0 Marseille - 15/8/25 |
WSG Tirol 0–4 Real Madrid - 12/8/25 | Marseille 3–1 Aston Villa - 9/8/25 |
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Marseille on TV
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, DAZN USA |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1 |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, Prime Video, tabii |
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid announced that Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are ready for Tuesday's match against Marseille. While neither midfielder is expected to start in their return from injury, having both players available as substitutes provides significant reinforcement for the Spanish club.
Alonso can also utilize Dean Huijsen despite the defender's weekend dismissal; the pending suspension for the Spain international applies exclusively to La Liga matches.
Antonio Rüdiger, who sustained a severe thigh injury during September's international fixtures, remains sidelined alongside Ferland Mendy and Endrick.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Marseille
Real Madrid expected lineup vs. Marseille (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Marseille Team News
Marseille must proceed without recent acquisition Nayef Aguerd for their Champions League debut. The central defender announced via social media that he's following concussion protocols after his weekend appearance and cannot participate against Real Madrid.
With the former West Ham player unavailable, De Zerbi must decide between Leonardo Balerdi and CJ Egan-Riley, who returns from his Ligue 1 ban, to partner Benjamin Pavard in defense.
Amine Gouiri's availability remains questionable after requiring first-half replacement following a clash with Lorient's Bamo Meïté. Should the forward be unfit to start, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to spearhead Marseille's attack.
Marseille Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Marseille expected lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson; Gomes, Kondogbia; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Aubameyang
Real Madrid vs. Marseille Score Prediction
Kylian Mbappé excelled against Marseille during his Ligue 1 career, and more goals seem inevitable against the French club on Tuesday evening considering the striker's current form. Additionally, Vinícius Júnior consistently threatens under the Santiago Bernabéu floodlights.
Real Madrid's attacking talent combined with Alonso's revamped defense, which hasn't allowed an open-play goal this season, should prove overwhelming for Marseille, particularly in an away fixture.