Mbappé rescues Real Madrid with a double against Marseille
The Champions League returned to the Santiago Bernabéu with all the intensity one could expect, and Real Madrid’s opening night was anything but routine. Against Olympique de Marseille, the Spanish giants had to suffer, adjust, and ultimately rely on the cold precision of Kylian Mbappé from the penalty spot to secure a 2-1 comeback victory.
The night didn’t begin ideally for Madrid. Despite a whirlwind start full of chances—Mbappé trying a bicycle kick, Mastantuono hitting the post, and Rodrygo forcing saves—the French side struck first. A careless giveaway in midfield by Arda Güler allowed Mason Greenwood to pounce, and he slipped a ball to Tim Weah, who finished with a sharp strike past Courtois in the 21st minute. The Bernabéu was reminded immediately that Champions League football punishes mistakes.
But Madrid responded quickly. Just seven minutes later, Geoffrey Kondogbia committed a reckless foul on Rodrygo inside the box, handing Madrid a lifeline. Mbappé stepped up and, with his usual composure, sent Rulli the wrong way to equalize. The home side kept pressing, finishing the first half with nearly 20 shots, yet they couldn’t find the second goal before the break.
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The second half brought new problems. Injuries had already forced Trent Alexander-Arnold off early, and then came the turning point—Dani Carvajal, already walking a fine line, lost his head in a clash with Rulli. His reckless headbutt earned him a straight red in the 71st minute, leaving Madrid down to ten men. From being in control, the team suddenly found itself clinging on.
Still, Madrid never loses its knack for drama in Europe. In the 80th minute, a cross struck Facundo Medina’s hand inside the area. After brief hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot. Once again, Mbappé took responsibility. Rulli guessed correctly this time, even got a touch, but the strike was too powerful. The Bernabéu roared as Madrid turned the game around, 2-1.
The final minutes were tense. Greenwood, Aubameyang, and substitute Paixão all had glimpses of goal, but Courtois and the Madrid defense held firm. The whistle finally blew with the crowd exhaling in relief—another European night where Madrid had lived dangerously but survived.
For Xabi Alonso, this was a debut in Europe that revealed both promise and fragility. His team played brilliant attacking football at times, but defensive lapses and emotional errors nearly cost them. Still, the message was clear: Madrid knows how to win even when the script turns against them.
And for Mbappé, who now carries the white shirt on the biggest stage, it was another statement. Not a night of spectacular goals from open play, but two penalties struck with icy calm—decisive, unflinching, and exactly what his team needed.
The Bernabéu has seen it all, but it still loves a night of suspense. And this one, against a spirited Marseille side, was classic Madrid: from hurricane to survivor.
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