Real Madrid opened their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on September 16. The clash had everything: an early injury to a marquee signing, controversy over penalty decisions, a red card, and Kylian Mbappe once again proving why Los Blancos made him their star centerpiece.

Early Setback for Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso’s side were dealt a major blow just five minutes into the game when Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Madrid’s high-profile summer arrivals, was forced off with an injury. The English right-back’s night ended almost as soon as it began, with veteran Dani Carvajal coming off the bench to replace him.

Despite the early disruption, Madrid attempted to control possession, but Marseille—managed by Roberto De Zerbi—were quick to seize their moment. In the 22nd minute, the visitors stunned the Bernabéu crowd by taking the lead, punishing Madrid’s defensive lapse with a well-executed strike.

Mbappe Levels the Score

Madrid needed a response, and it came just six minutes later. A swift attacking move saw them win a penalty, which Mbappe confidently converted in the 28th minute to bring the game level. It was the Frenchman’s first Champions League goal in Real Madrid colors, and the sense of relief inside the stadium was palpable.

Even with the scoreline level, the game remained finely balanced. Marseille defended bravely, pressing aggressively and threatening on the counter, while Real Madrid sought to build momentum through Mbappe’s pace and Jude Bellingham’s drive from midfield.

Carvajal’s Moment of Madness

The turning point of the night came in the 72nd minute. Carvajal, already on thin ice following a feisty battle with Marseille’s forwards, got into a heated exchange with goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. In a moment of rashness, the Spaniard was seen leaning in with a headbutt, leaving the referee with little choice but to show him a straight red card.

The Bernabéu was stunned into silence, with Madrid now forced to finish the game with 10 men. Instead of folding, however, the incident seemed to galvanize Alonso’s players.

Penalty Controversy

The decisive moment arrived shortly after. Real Madrid were awarded another penalty when Facundo Medina, attempting to block a shot, slid inside the box and saw the ball brush his arm. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, a decision that sparked furious protests from Marseille players and staff.

Mbappe once again stepped up under pressure and buried his second penalty of the night, sealing the victory for Real Madrid. The French superstar wheeled away in celebration, while the Marseille bench erupted in frustration at the decision that ultimately defined the match.

De Zerbi’s Post-Match Fury

In his post-match press conference, Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi did not hold back when asked about the incident. He argued that the penalty should never have been awarded and described it in blunt terms:

“It’s a shameful penalty. It’s not there. I would have said that too if it had been whistled for us. For me, it’s not a penalty, never. Not at the Bernabeu, nor at the Velodrome, nor at Real Sociedad, nowhere. And I have no ulterior motive, I don’t want to cause controversy. I’m just saying that there was no penalty. Period.”

The Italian coach went further, saying he would not have shown Carvajal a red card either, despite the headbutt:

“In this kind of situation, head-to-head, I wouldn’t give a red card. It’s not violent. But it’s the rule. For Real, for us, for everyone.”

His comments reflect the frustration of a Marseille side that felt undone by officiating rather than outplayed by their opponents.

Madrid’s Relief, Marseille’s Frustration

For Madrid, the win was a vital one to start their European campaign, but it came at a cost. Carvajal will now miss their next Champions League outing against Kazakhstan’s Kairat on September 30, with the possibility of facing a longer suspension under UEFA’s Disciplinary Code. That leaves Alonso facing a defensive headache, particularly with Alexander-Arnold’s fitness also uncertain.

For Marseille, the performance offered plenty of positives. De Zerbi’s men showed they could compete with Europe’s elite and even had Real Madrid rattled for large spells of the game. But walking away empty-handed after such a contentious call will sting.

Mbappe the Difference

In the end, the spotlight once again fell on Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman’s coolness under pressure secured the points, reminding fans why Madrid fought so hard to finally bring him to the Bernabéu. His two penalties may not have been the most spectacular goals of his career, but they were decisive.

Champions League nights at the Bernabéu are rarely straightforward, and this was another classic example. Real Madrid survived injury, indiscipline, and controversy, but thanks to Mbappe, they also emerged with three crucial points.