Mbappe’s Double Saves 10-Man Real Madrid in UCL Opener
Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign got underway at the Santiago Bernabéu with plenty of drama, controversy, and star power. Facing Marseille in their opening group-stage clash, the Spanish giants had to fight through adversity, but in the end, a Kylian Mbappé penalty double sealed a 2-1 victory.
The night didn’t begin smoothly for Madrid. Just five minutes into the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled up clutching his hamstring and had to be substituted. Dani Carvajal came on in his place, a decision that would later carry big consequences. Marseille, unfazed by the grandeur of the occasion, grew into the game and stunned the Bernabéu by taking the lead. After Madrid carelessly gave away possession, Mason Greenwood slipped a clever ball into Timothy Weah, who fired past Thibaut Courtois with authority.
For a moment, the French visitors looked like they might spoil Madrid’s perfect start to the season. But with Mbappé on the pitch, danger was never far away. The French forward, already buzzing with intent, won a penalty after Geoffrey Kondogbia fouled Rodrygo inside the box. Mbappé stepped up confidently and buried it to bring Madrid level.
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The game only grew more chaotic after the break. Carvajal, who had replaced the injured Alexander-Arnold, was sent off midway through the second half following a heated altercation with goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. Television replays showed minimal contact, but after a VAR review, the Madrid captain was dismissed, leaving his side down to ten men.
It seemed Marseille might have the upper hand, but football can be cruel. In the 81st minute, a Vinícius Júnior run caused panic, and the ball ricocheted onto Facundo Medina’s arm. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Despite Marseille’s furious protests, Mbappé converted again—though Rulli did get a hand to it. That goal not only gave Madrid the lead, it also marked Mbappé’s 50th strike in a white shirt and elevated him to seventh on the all-time Champions League scoring charts.
One of the night’s brightest sparks came from teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono. At just 18, he became Madrid’s youngest ever Champions League starter and impressed the Bernabéu crowd with bold dribbles, nutmegs, and a shot that rattled the post. He may not have scored, but his fearless performance earned a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Madrid’s resilience under Xabi Alonso was also on display. Even with ten men, they pressed forward rather than sitting back. The manager later called it a “typical Champions League night at home, where anything can happen.” And indeed, it did. Between injuries, a red card, and controversial penalties, Madrid still found a way to win.
The victory keeps momentum alive for Los Blancos, though concerns remain. Alexander-Arnold’s injury will need assessment, and Carvajal faces suspension. Alonso may be forced into tactical reshuffles in the coming weeks. But for now, Madrid can breathe easy. Their Champions League journey has begun with three points—and once again, Kylian Mbappé has shown why he is the center of their universe.
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