Real Madrid gave their Champions League campaign a combative start, rousing their supporters into euphoria after securing a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
It was a game defined by early shock, shocking lapse in discipline, and above all, the cool composure of Kylian Mbappé, who converted two penalties to turn the tide in a match that could have slipped away.
From the outset it was clear this would not be a comfortable night for Los Blancos. Within minutes the home side were dealt a blow when Trent Alexander-Arnold, starting in his customary wing-back role, pulled up clutching his hamstring and had to be substituted just four minutes into the match.
Dani Carvajal was brought on in his stead, but that change would prove to be just the beginning of Real’s adversity.
Marseille stunned the Bernabéu in the 22nd minute. Arda Güler, the young Madrid midfielder, was dispossessed by Mason Greenwood in midfield and the ball was played into Weah.
The American forward made no mistake, finishing powerfully past Thibaut Courtois to give the visitors an unexpected lead. For a time it looked like Marseille’s plan was working—press high, force errors, and exploit space.
Real Madrid’s response came swiftly. Just six minutes after Weah had scored, Rodrygo was brought down in the box by Geoffrey Kondogbia, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappé stepped up, composed and efficient, to convert the penalty and level the score in the 28th minute.
From that moment Madrid tried to seize control, with their attack probing Marseille and Gerónimo Rulli – who was excellent between the posts for the guests – pulling off several important saves, including a stunning one-handed stop from a close Mbappé effort.
FP: @RealMadrid 2-1 @OM_Espanol
⚽ 22′ Weah
⚽ 29′ @KMbappe (p.)
⚽ 81′ @KMbappe (p.) pic.twitter.com/mXfTl2mdrg— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 16, 2025
The second half carried its own intensity. Real sustained the pressure but failed to find a way through until a moment of off-the-ball controversy tipped the balance. In the 72nd minute, while chasing a loose ball in the box, Carvajal appeared to headbutt Rulli.
After a VAR review, the Madrid captain was shown a red card and sent off. That left his side to play nearly 20 minutes plus stoppage time with ten men—a test of character for manager Xabi Alonso and his squad.
Even the numerical disadvantage could not dampen Madrid’s belief. In the 81st minute, Vinícius Júnior (on as a substitute) drove forward into the Marseille half. His attempt was blocked by defender Facundo Medina, and the ball struck Medina’s arm in a sliding challenge.
Once again VAR intervened, awarding a second penalty to the home side. Without hesitation, Mbappé stepped up again and slotted home—this time into the bottom corner—sealing the comeback and the win.
The closing minutes were tense. Marseille piled forward in search of a late equaliser, and Madrid defended doggedly, with Courtois producing one more critical save to preserve the lead. The visitors threatened, but could not break through. When the final whistle blew the scoreboard read 2-1 to Madrid.