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Real Madrid started their UEFA Champions League campaign with a tough 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite playing a man down for the final period, Madrid became victorious thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
Brace from Mbappe
Marseille kicked off strongly and surprised the Spanish giants in the 22nd minute of the match, with Timothy Weah finishing off a slick move to give the French club an early lead. Real Madrid were determined, pushing forward with attacking relentlessly, registering 28 shots to Marseille's 15 throughout the night. Their resistance paid off when Kylian Mbappe equalised the score from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after Madrid won a penalty.
Drama in the second half
The second half saw both sides fighting for control, but critically, Real Madrid were reduced to ten men when Dani Carvajal got a straight red card in the 72nd minute. Marseille tried to bank on their numerical advantage. In the 81st minute, Mbappe casually netted his second penalty in the 81st minute, securing all three points for the hosts.
Statistics
Marseille dominated the match with bulk of possession (57%) and attempted more passes (524) with a decent accuracy (86%), but Real Madrid made more clear chances and had 15 more shots on target as compared to just 5 for the visitors. The match was heated, with Madrid picking up three yellow cards and a red, while Marseille got two yellows.
What it means
With this win, Real Madrid secured crucial three points in Group Stage Matchday 1 and joint Union Saint-Gilloise, Arsenal, Qarabag FK, and Tottenham among the early leaders in the group.
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