Mbappé double guides 10-man Real Madrid to victory over Marseille

Kylian Mbappé struck twice from the penalty spot as Real Madrid overcame both adversity and a red card to defeat Marseille 2-1 in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabéu. 

The French forward’s decisive goals ensured a winning start to the European campaign for the 15-time champions despite a night of setbacks.

Marseille had taken a shock lead in the 22nd minute when Timothy Weah powered a strike past Thibaut Courtois after Mason Greenwood robbed Arda Güler in midfield. 

However, Real Madrid hit back swiftly. Just six minutes later, Mbappé converted from the spot after Geoffrey Kondogbia fouled Rodrygo inside the area.

The hosts’ evening became more complicated in the second half. Dani Carvajal, who had replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold early in the match, was dismissed in the 72nd minute after clashing with goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. 

Despite being reduced to ten men, Madrid maintained their attacking momentum and eventually forced another penalty when Facundo Medina handled inside the box.

Mbappé, who had already tested Rulli with a spectacular bicycle kick earlier, stepped up once again in the 81st minute. 

His clinical finish sealed the victory and took his tally to six goals in just five matches this season, underlining his importance as Madrid’s new talisman.

The win came at a cost, however, with Alexander-Arnold’s Champions League debut for Real Madrid ending after only five minutes due to a suspected hamstring injury. 

The 26-year-old, who joined from Liverpool in the summer, now faces a race to be fit for Madrid’s return to Anfield in November.

Manager Xabi Alonso will also be concerned about his full-back’s fitness, as Alexander-Arnold has struggled for game time since arriving in Spain.

Having started only two of Madrid’s opening four league fixtures and missing out on England duty this month, the injury setback adds to a difficult start for the defender at his new club.