Kylian Mbappe’s two penalties gave Real Madrid a 2-1 win over Marseille in Xabi Alonso’s first Champions League game as manager. Timothy Weah scored first for Marseille, but Mbappe’s goals and Dani Carvajal’s red card shaped the game. Mbappe reached 50 goals for Real Madrid in just 64 games.
Kylian Mbappe's clinical penalty double ensured Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid tenure began on a high note, securing a 2-1 victory over a resilient Marseille side in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabeu. The match, however, was far from a straightforward affair for the Spanish giants, who had to navigate the final stages with ten men after Dani Carvajal's late dismissal.
Marseille, unfazed by the Bernabeu atmosphere, took an early lead against the run of play. Timothy Weah, making his Champions League debut, etched his name onto the scoresheet, sending shockwaves through the Madrid faithful. The goal was a dream start for Weah and Marseille. To compound Madrid's woes, they were forced into an early substitution, losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to a suspected hamstring injury just five minutes into the game. Adding to the early drama, Franco Mastantuono rattled the post for the hosts, signaling their intent to fight back.
Real Madrid's persistence eventually paid off in the 28th minute. A clumsy challenge by Geoffrey Kondogbia on Rodrygo inside the penalty area presented Mbappe with the opportunity to level the scores. The French superstar, known for his composure under pressure, coolly slotted the penalty into the left-hand corner, sending Marseille's goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli the wrong way. The goal injected new life into Madrid's attack, and they began to assert their dominance.
The second half saw Madrid create a flurry of chances, but they were continually thwarted by a combination of resolute defending and Rulli's impressive goalkeeping. Frustration began to creep into Madrid's play, culminating in Carvajal's moment of madness. The experienced full-back was shown a straight red card for an attempted headbutt on Rulli, reducing Madrid to ten men and handing Marseille a lifeline.
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid continued to press for the winner. Their determination was rewarded when Vinicius Junior's mazy run was halted by a handball from Medina inside the box. Mbappe stepped up once again, showcasing nerves of steel as he squeezed his penalty past Rulli's outstretched hand. The Bernabeu erupted in celebration as Madrid took the lead for the first time in the match.
50 – Kylian Mbappé has scored 50 goals in 64 matches for Real Madrid in all competitions, becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals for the Whites since Cristiano Ronaldo in November 2010 (51 goals in 54 appearances). Successor. pic.twitter.com/a3EoHaisC4
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 16, 2025
Data Debrief: Mbappe's Milestone
Real Madrid's attacking intent was evident throughout the first half, registering an impressive 11 shots on target – their highest tally in the opening 45 minutes of a Champions League match since 2003-04.
Timothy Weah's debut goal marked a significant moment for Marseille, becoming the first player to score on his Champions League debut for the club since Gabriel Heinze in 2009.
However, the night belonged to Kylian Mbappe, whose penalty double propelled him to 50 goals for Real Madrid in just 64 appearances. He is the fastest player to reach this milestone since Cristiano Ronaldo, who achieved it in 54 games.
Xabi Alonso will be pleased with his team's performance, particularly their attacking output. Madrid recorded an expected goals (xG) of 3.65 compared to Marseille's 0.73, with Mbappe contributing 2.2 of Madrid's xG. Real Madrid's 15 shots on target also represent their highest tally in a coach's Champions League debut since the 2003-04 season, highlighting the positive impact of Alonso's tactical approach.
Despite the late drama and Carvajal's sending off, Real Madrid demonstrated their resilience and determination to secure a vital victory in their opening Champions League fixture. The win provides a solid foundation for Alonso's reign and sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.