Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille (Mbappé x2). Starting things off with a draw… This is the reaction to the opening European fixture. Still to come: Player ratings, interviews and the podcast.
The league campaign was going well for Real Madrid despite some hiccups during the opening games, but now it was time for European football. French outfit Marseille would visit the Spanish capital for the first game, and Rodrygo Goes would be spotted in the line-up for the first time. Joining him was Franco Mastantuono
and Kylian Mbappé in attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold started to make up a strong eleven. Fede Valverde captained Real Madrid in the Champions League.
https://x.com/realmadriden/status/1968007322208440688?s=46
Madrid started well as Kylian Mbappé almost scored within two minutes, before almost scoring again after a mazy run. Franco Mastantuono almost put Los Blancos ahead after a run of similar quality. Marseille then had a go – at first missing the target, before they took a surprise lead through Timothy Weah. He could have had another if not for the acrobatic efforts of Thibaut Courtois. This would lead to Madrid finding the equaliser, with Kylian Mbappé scoring yet another goal – this time from the spot. The home side should have been ahead by half-time, but Mastantuono failed to capitalise on a golden chance at the death. Half-time: 1-1.
https://x.com/kiyanso/status/1968046491601379341?s=4
The second half would commence in similar fashion – with Mbappé missing a decent early chance, this time hitting the bar. Courtois then denied a decent Marseille chance, before VAR made things get very tasty. Dani Carvajal was given a red card after a review highlighted a coming together with the opposition goalkeeper. the drama would heighten when Real Madrid were awarded another penalty via VAR, which Kylian Mbappé made no mistake to put his side into the lead from with ten men. Marseille had a decent late chance, but Courtois became the hero once more with a stunning save to maintain the lead. Full time: 2-1 to Real Madrid! Two games, two red cards, two wins. That is certainly something. Thoughts on the game?
