Tue Sep 16 18:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Kicks Off Champions League Campaign with Bold Lineup Against Marseille

**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid begins its quest for a record-extending 16th Champions League title tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu against Olympique de Marseille. New manager Xabi Alonso has opted for a surprising lineup, most notably benching Vinicius Jr. in favor of Rodrygo on the left wing.

This marks Alonso’s Champions League managerial debut with Real Madrid. He is showing early confidence and strategic flexibility. Despite having several key players who performed excellently in recent outings, the manager decided to change the starting elevn.

Another notable change sees 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono making his Champions League debut, placing him as the youngest player to ever start a Champions League game for Real Madrid, breaking Endrick’s record. Bellingham is also making his return, and is in great shape.

Alonso emphasized that the team will approach each game with a focus on their own strengths, while also being wary of their opponents.

Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, arrives at the Bernabéu looking to upset the home side. The French team’s lineup includes notable players like Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the latter of whom has a strong scoring record against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The match is also a historic occasion for Real Madrid, as they seek their 200th Champions League victory and their 700th goal in the competition, milestones no other club has achieved. However, Marseille are looking to prove difficult for the Spanish side, and could make this milestone harder to achieve.

**Real Madrid XI:** Courtois; Trent, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Mastantuono; Arda Güler, Mbappé and Rodrygo.

**Olympique de Marseille XI:** Rulli; Medina, Balerdi, Pavard, Emerson; Greenwood, Kondogbia, Hojbjerg, Weah; O’Riley Aubameyang.

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