Real Madrid start their Champions League campaign with comeback 2-1 win over Marseille for Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
Kylian Mbappe almost open scoring early with bicycle kick after 70 seconds, while 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono – youngest player wey don start UCL match for Madrid – even hit post as pressure full Marseille side.
But na Marseille first strike as Timothy Weah lash powerful shot beat Thibaut Courtois for near post – him first goal for Les Olympiens.
Just minutes later, Geoffrey Kondogbia foul Rodrygo inside box, referee point spot and Mbappe convert penalty – him 49th goal for Madrid – to balance score.
Before halftime, Mastantuono miss golden chance as Mbappe square ball for am, but him shot go straight to Geronimo Rulli. Second half start with Madrid pressure again, Mbappe even rattle crossbar.
Match scatter further when Dani Carvajal see red card for headbutt on Rulli – na second straight game Madrid go down to 10 men.
Still, Mbappe remain the hero as handball from Facundo Medina give am another penalty late on. The Frenchman no miss – blast ball into bottom corner for him 50th Champions League goal with Madrid.
TPB Verdict
Trent Alexander-Arnold return Madrid lineup after weekend rest but limp out early with suspected hamstring injury. Life in Spain still dey tough for am. Defensively, Alonso men still dey leak goals – dem never keep home UCL clean sheet since November 2023.
Offensively, Vinicius Junior no start, Rodrygo play left, but Mbappe steady deliver – na four straight UCL openers e don score. Marseille on their side still look dangerous with Aubameyang, Greenwood and Weah combo, even without Nayef Aguerd. Roberto De Zerbi side go trouble plenty big teams this season.
Real Madrid vs. Marseille Highlights
22’ – Weah Goal (0-1): Greenwood carry ball enter box, release Weah wey smash finish past Courtois.
28’ – Mbappe Penalty (1-1): Kondogbia foul Rodrygo, Mbappe send keeper wrong side, sharp equaliser.
72’ – Carvajal Red Card: Madrid skipper headbutt Rulli, VAR check confirm red.
81’ – Mbappe Penalty (2-1): Medina handle ball, Mbappe bury am bottom corner – him 50th UCL goal for Madrid.
Man of the Match – Geronimo Rulli
Even though him side lose, Rulli shine bright. The Marseille keeper pull 13 saves, including close-range blocks. Only two penalties fit beat am.
Match Stats
- Possession: Real Madrid 43% – 57% Marseille
- Shots: Real Madrid 28 – 15 Marseille
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 15 – 5 Marseille
- Corners: Real Madrid 9 – 4 Marseille
- Fouls: Real Madrid 9 – 14 Marseille
What Next?
Madrid go face Espanyol next for La Liga on Saturday, while Marseille welcome PSG for Ligue 1 blockbuster on Sunday evening.
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