Real Madrid 2-1 Olympique de Marseille: Mbappé 29’ pen, 81’ pen, Weah 22’
After a highly complicated match marked by a red card, Real Madrid escaped Marseille’s trap thanks to a double from the penalty spot by Kylian Mbappé. It was a frustrating night for a Madrid side that looked far from convincing, and for Marseille, who let a major upset slip away.
The frustration for Marseille could easily have turned into feelings of sheer helplessness at least if the match had lasted only 20 minutes. Madrid’s strong start, combined with Marseille’s nervousness, could have made it look like a blowout in the making. Poor clearances, questionable positioning, handball errors Real had countless chances to take the lead, twice through Mbappé and also via Franco Mastantuono, who was dazzling.
But in the 22nd minute, the Santiago Bernabéu fell silent. Off a ball recovered by Mason Greenwood, the Englishman squared up Militao before feeding Timothy Weah, who beat Courtois with a powerful strike. Exploiting the open spaces, OM scored an improbable goal that completely changed their game. Unfortunately for them, the joy didn’t last long. Rodrygo tore through the Marseille defense, forcing them to concede a penalty. Mbappé converted it, and the first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, Madrid’s level dropped while Marseille grew more threatening, though Thibaut Courtois was never seriously tested. Then came the moment that could have been the turning point. Captain Dani Carvajal (who had come on for Trent Alexander-Arnold after his injury in the 3rd minute) was sent off for a headbutt on Marseille goalkeeper Rulli. Yet despite this blow of fate, Real managed to pull through thanks to another penalty, this time conceded by Medina. The referee punished him for a very harsh handball, with the arm seemingly in a natural position. Mbappé stayed ice-cold and converted from the spot.