De Zerbi explodes after controversial penalty in Real Madrid vs Marseille
Real Madrid started their Champions League 2025/26 campaign with a dramatic win at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the match has been overshadowed by heavy controversy. The Spanish giants managed to beat Olympique de Marseille 2-1, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappé, both goals coming from the penalty spot. While the victory gave Xabi Alonso’s side their first three points of the group stage, the debate after the final whistle was centered around the referee’s decisions, especially the second penalty that sealed Madrid’s win.
Marseille fought bravely and even took the lead early in the game through Timothy Weah. Real Madrid responded with their usual pressure, and by the 27th minute, Rodrygo forced the first penalty, which Mbappé converted with power and precision. From that moment on, the Bernabéu expected Madrid to take control, but the French side resisted. Their defense, led by Facundo Medina, absorbed wave after wave of Madrid attacks, while goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli produced several key saves.
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The match, however, turned chaotic in the second half. Dani Carvajal was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Madrid down to ten men. At that point, Marseille smelled blood and came close to completing the upset. Yet, the turning point arrived in the 80th minute, when Medina, while falling to the ground, had the ball brush against his supporting arm. Referee Irfan Peljto pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Mbappé stepped up again to score his second. The Bernabéu erupted, but frustration boiled over on the Marseille bench.
After the game, coach Roberto De Zerbi could not hide his anger. In the press conference, he labeled the decision “shameful” and insisted that the penalty should never have been given. He emphasized that his opinion would be the same even if the call had benefited his own team. For De Zerbi, it was a moment that completely changed the balance of the match, one that Marseille had been holding on to with courage and discipline.
The Italian coach also dismissed any speculation about bias in favor of Madrid, although he referenced another recent controversial refereeing decision involving the Spanish club. Still, his main message was clear: in his eyes, the penalty should not have stood.
While the controversy dominates headlines, Madrid will be relieved to have started with a win, especially after being forced to fight with ten players for the final stretch. The night also highlighted the new dynamics within the squad, as VinÃcius Júnior started on the bench again, while Mbappé’s role as the team’s leader becomes more and more evident.
In the end, the record books will show a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, but the debate about that second penalty is likely to continue for weeks. For Xabi Alonso’s side, it is three crucial points, but for De Zerbi and Marseille, it is a bitter night where their efforts felt undone by a decision they firmly believe was unjust.
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