On a night charged with intensity, drama, and historical significance, Real Madrid began their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match, which marked Xabi Alonso’s debut as head coach in the competition, was anything but straightforward. Madrid, reduced to ten men after Dani Carvajal’s sending off, had to claw their way back from an early deficit, relying on the clinical brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, who converted two penalties to seal the win. The result not only gave Alonso a triumphant start to his European managerial journey but also etched Real Madrid into the annals of Champions League history as the first club to reach 200 victories since the competition’s rebranding in the early 1990s.
The evening began with a sense of anticipation and tension, heightened by clashes between Spanish police and Marseille supporters outside the stadium. Riot gear and mounted officers were deployed to contain the unrest, which reportedly stemmed from fans attempting to move beyond their designated area near the Bernabéu gates. Though the situation was quickly brought under control, the atmosphere remained charged as thousands of French fans filtered into the stadium, their voices echoing through the Madrid night. Inside, the stage was set for a clash between two storied clubs, each with its own ambitions and narratives heading into the new European season.
Real Madrid, fielding a side brimming with talent and youth, started the match at a blistering pace. Within two minutes, Mbappé nearly produced a moment of magic when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s errant interception fell kindly to him. The Frenchman, ever instinctive, attempted an audacious overhead kick that flew just wide of Gerónimo Rulli’s post. It was a warning shot, a glimpse of the danger Madrid could unleash. However, their momentum was soon disrupted when Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his Champions League debut for Madrid, pulled up clutching his hamstring. The England international was forced off, replaced by veteran Dani Carvajal—a substitution that would later prove pivotal in more ways than one.
Despite the setback, Madrid continued to press. Teenager Franco Mastantuono, one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football, showcased his fearless approach by driving into the box and poking a shot past Rulli, only to see it cannon off the post. The Bernabéu groaned in frustration, sensing that early chances were slipping away. That sense of regret deepened in the 22nd minute when Marseille struck against the run of play. Mason Greenwood, alert and aggressive, dispossessed Arda Güler in midfield and released Timothy Weah with a perfectly weighted pass. The American international, son of Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, surged forward and rifled a shot past Thibaut Courtois to give the visitors a shock lead.
The goal stunned Madrid but did not break them. Their response was swift and composed. Just seven minutes later, Rodrygo was clumsily brought down in the box by Geoffrey Kondogbia, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappé stepped up with his trademark calm and dispatched the penalty with precision, sending Rulli the wrong way. It was his 49th goal for the club, and it reignited the home crowd. From that moment, the match became a tactical tug-of-war, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Aurélien Tchouaméni tested Rulli with a stinging shot from distance, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, leading Marseille’s line, fired into the side-netting after a clever turn.
The second half began with renewed urgency. Madrid, eager to assert control, pushed forward through Mastantuono and Güler, both of whom forced saves from Rulli. The Marseille keeper was in inspired form, denying multiple efforts and keeping his side in contention. Aubameyang, too, remained a threat, drawing a sharp save from Courtois after a well-timed run. The match teetered on a knife’s edge, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance but unable to find the breakthrough.
Then came the moment of controversy that threatened to derail Madrid’s night. In the 70th minute, following a corner, Carvajal and Rulli clashed in the box. The Madrid captain, perhaps frustrated by the mounting pressure, appeared to headbutt the Marseille goalkeeper. Though contact seemed minimal, VAR replays were conclusive, and the referee brandished a red card. Carvajal, who had entered the match as a substitute, was sent off, leaving Madrid to navigate the final 20 minutes with ten men. The Bernabéu fell into stunned silence, and Alonso was forced to reshuffle his side, sacrificing attacking impetus for defensive stability.
Yet even in adversity, Madrid found a way. In the 80th minute, Vinícius Júnior darted into the box and was brought down by Facundo Medina, whose sliding tackle inadvertently struck the ball with his hand. The referee, after a brief consultation with VAR, awarded a second penalty. Mbappé, now chasing his 50th goal for the club, stepped up once more. The pressure was immense, the stakes high, but the outcome was never in doubt. With ice in his veins, he sent Rulli the wrong way again, completing his brace and giving Madrid a 2–1 lead. The stadium erupted, and Mbappé, arms outstretched, soaked in the adulation.
Marseille, to their credit, did not fold. Greenwood forced a late save from Courtois, and Aubameyang continued to press, but Madrid’s defence held firm. The final whistle brought relief and celebration. For Xabi Alonso, it was a dream start to his Champions League managerial career. The former midfield maestro, who won the competition as a player with both Liverpool and Madrid, now tasted victory from the touchline. His tactical adjustments, particularly after the red card, demonstrated a maturity and composure that bodes well for the campaign ahead.
The historical significance of the win added another layer to the evening. Real Madrid, already the most decorated club in European football, became the first team to reach 200 Champions League victories since the competition’s rebranding. It is a milestone that reflects not just longevity but sustained excellence. From Di Stéfano to Cristiano Ronaldo, from Zidane to Mbappé, Madrid’s legacy continues to evolve, shaped by generations of brilliance. This latest chapter, authored by Alonso and headlined by Mbappé, promises to be compelling.
Mbappé’s performance, in particular, will dominate headlines. His brace not only secured the win but also marked his 50th goal for the club—a remarkable achievement given he joined just over a year ago. His integration into Madrid’s system has been seamless, and his chemistry with Rodrygo and Vinícius offers a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come. Federico Valverde, speaking after the match, summed it up: “We are happy that he keeps scoring goals and has been feeling more and more comfortable. Our job is to make sure the ball gets to him and that he can have even more scoring opportunities than he is having now.”
The match also highlighted the depth and resilience of Madrid’s squad. Mastantuono, still a teenager, played with maturity beyond his years, while Güler, despite his error leading to Marseille’s goal, showed flashes of creativity and vision. Tchouaméni anchored the midfield with authority, and Courtois, as ever, provided a reassuring presence between the posts. Even with ten men, Madrid looked composed, organised, and dangerous—a testament to Alonso’s tactical acumen and the squad’s collective belief.
For Marseille, the defeat will sting, but there were positives to take. Greenwood’s assist and Weah’s goal showcased their attacking potential, while Rulli’s performance kept them in the game. However, defensive lapses and a lack of composure in key moments proved costly. The red card incident, while controversial, shifted momentum irreversibly, and their inability to capitalise on the numerical advantage will be a point of reflection for manager Marcelino García Toral.
As the Champions League campaign unfolds, both teams will look to build on this opening fixture. Madrid, buoyed by history and momentum, will aim to top their group and mount a serious challenge for a 16th title. Marseille, meanwhile, must regroup and find consistency if they are to progress. The Bernabéu clash offered a microcosm of European football’s allure—passion, unpredictability, and moments of brilliance that linger long after the final whistle.
In the end, it was a night that belonged to Mbappé and Madrid. Two penalties, one red card, and a milestone victory—this was Champions League theatre at its finest. And for Xabi Alonso, the journey has only just begun.
