The Digest:
Kylian Mbappe scored two penalties to propel 10-man Real Madrid to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Marseille in their Champions League opener. The win marked a historic milestone as Madrid became the first club to reach 200 victories in the competition’s modern era.
Key Points
- Mbappe’s penalties in the 29th and 81st minutes overturned an early opener from Marseille’s Timothy Weah.
- Madrid played with 10 men after Dani Carvajal was sent off in the 72nd minute.
- The victory marked Real Madrid’s 200th win in the Champions League, a competition record.
- Xabi Alonso secured a win in his UCL coaching debut with the club.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Madrid debut lasted only 5 minutes due to a muscle injury.
- Pre-match clashes between Marseille fans and police outside the Bernabéu required significant security intervention.
- The match highlighted Madrid’s tactical adaptability and Mbappe’s clutch performance under pressure.
Amid chaos on and off the pitch, Real Madrid’s triumph encapsulated the drama, history, and sheer will that define Champions League nights at the Bernabéu.
Sources: Super Sports, UEFA
