Tue Sep 16 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Mbappé’s Double Leads Real Madrid to Champions League Victory Over Marseille
**Madrid, Spain** – Kylian Mbappé scored twice from the penalty spot as Real Madrid overcame a red card and a determined Olympique de Marseille side to win their Champions League group stage opener 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The victory marked Real Madrid’s 200th in the competition, making them the first club to reach that milestone. They also passed the 700-goal mark in Champions League history.
Weah had given Marseille a surprise lead early on, capitalizing on a Real Madrid defensive miscue. However, Rodrygo won a penalty later in the first half, which Mbappé confidently converted to level the score.
The second half saw Carvajal sent off after a VAR review for an incident involving Marseille goalkeeper Rulli. Despite being down to 10 men, Real Madrid continued to press, and another penalty was awarded after a Medina handball. Mbappé again stepped up and coolly slotted home the winner.
“It was a complicated night, especially playing with 10 men,” said Mbappé after the match. “But we showed the Champions League spirit here at the Bernabéu. We know we can win here, and we are happy.”
When questioned about his leadership role, Mbappé remarked, “I feel very good. I don’t think about being a leader, just about being me, Kylian, and helping. It comes naturally.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso emphasized the importance of pressing high and winning the ball back quickly. “We have very good communication. We know what we want to do, and I do what the manager asks of me,” stated Mbappé.
Marseille’s Rulli accused Carvajal of headbutting him during a corner kick, stating, “He told me to take my hand off him, we started arguing, and he headbutted me on the nose.”
The match was not without its controversial moments, with Mbappé expressing confusion over the handball rule. “It’s complicated because the issue of handballs is very complicated,” he said. “Everyone is lost with this rule.”
Real Madrid are now looking ahead to their next Champions League fixture, hoping to build on this hard-fought victory.
First Piper 