Real Madrid began their European campaign with a dramatic comeback win over Olympique Marseille, overcoming both an early injury setback and a red card in a contest that tested Xabi Alonso’s men to their limits.
The night began in unsettling fashion when Dani Carvajal was forced to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold after just three minutes. Moments later, Franco Mastantuono struck the post following sharp interplay, before Kylian Mbappe was denied by Geronimo Rulli.
Marseille struck first through Timothy Weah, who finished confidently after Mason Greenwood punished Arda Guler’s lapse in concentration. The French side nearly doubled their lead, but within five minutes Madrid were level. Rodrygo Goes won a penalty, and Mbappe coolly slotted it into the corner.
Both teams exchanged golden chances in a frenetic opening period. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke clear only to fire into the side netting, while Mastantuono squandered a simple finish after being set up by Mbappe. Real Madrid’s high press created opportunities, but Marseille remained composed enough to find gaps of their own.
The second half maintained the same intensity. Guler skimmed the bar from distance and Aubameyang again went close from the edge of the box. Madrid’s challenge deepened when Carvajal was shown a red card for a headbutt on Rulli, leaving Alonso to reshuffle his side with a defensive back three.
Even with ten men, Madrid’s attacking trident continued to trouble Marseille. Vinicius Junior’s burst into the box forced a penalty after Facundo Medina’s trailing arm struck the ball, and Mbappe once again converted, this time notching his 50th goal for Real Madrid. Rulli got two hands to the strike but could not keep it out.
The closing stages brought more tension as Greenwood spurned two clear chances at the back post, leaving Marseille frustrated. Despite sustained pressure, Madrid held firm through 17 minutes of regulation and stoppage time.
Los Blancos registered 28 attempts, 15 on target, and dominated large stretches of the game. Alonso will take encouragement from the creativity his side produced, but concerns linger over finishing options beyond Mbappe, as well as Alexander-Arnold’s injury. For now, though, Madrid’s three points stand as the most important outcome on a night that flirted with disaster.
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