Real Madrid started their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory against Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
Star man Kylian Mbappé scored twice from the penalty spot to help Madrid come back after Timothy Weah gave Marseille an early lead.
Even though Madrid won, the match ended with plenty of drama as a late handball decision went against Marseille.
Weah Shocks Madrid Fans
Marseille surprised everyone in the 22nd minute when Mason Greenwood set up Timothy Weah, who calmly scored past Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-0.
The away fans went wild, celebrating their team’s first Champions League goal since 2023.
Madrid didn’t take long to answer. Just seven minutes later, Rodrygo was fouled in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappé stepped up and smashed the ball home to level the score at 1-1.
Red Card & Controversy
The game was still tight in the second half. Aubameyang almost gave Marseille the lead, but Courtois kept him out with strong saves.
Things got tense in the 65th minute when Madrid’s Dani Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Marseille keeper Gerónimo Rulli, leaving Madrid with only 10 players.
Marseille pushed hard for another goal, but in the 81st minute, the referee gave Madrid another penalty for a handball by Facundo Medina. Marseille players protested, but the decision stood.
Mbappé scored again to make it 2-1 for Madrid.
Marseille Fight, But Madrid Hold On
Marseille tried everything in the final minutes. Greenwood had a big chance but shot over the bar. In the end, Real Madrid held strong and took all three points.
The win gives Xabi Alonso’s team a strong start in the group stage, while Marseille will feel unlucky not to get at least a draw.
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