Mbappé Leads Real Madrid to Dramatic Champions League Victory Amid Red Card Controversy

Published: 16 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign in dramatic fashion, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s composure from the penalty spot. The French superstar converted both penalties, ensuring the 15-time European champions earned three crucial points despite enduring a tense final stretch with only ten players on the field following a controversial red card for captain Dani Carvajal.

The match began under unusual circumstances. Carvajal, who was not part of the starting lineup, had to be introduced after just five minutes when Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered an apparent hamstring injury while warming up. This early adjustment set the tone for a game filled with unpredictability, drama, and moments of both individual brilliance and collective resilience.

Madrid came out of the blocks with intent, displaying their trademark attacking philosophy. Mbappé, demonstrating both skill and audacity, almost produced a spectacular opening goal inside the opening minutes. The French forward attempted a bicycle kick from within the box, but the effort flew narrowly wide, hinting at the potential impact he would have throughout the match. Despite Madrid’s strong start, it was Marseille who capitalized first, proving that a momentary lapse could be costly in Europe’s elite competition.

The first goal arrived in the 22nd minute. Timothy Weah, the speedy forward for the French side, took advantage of a defensive mistake by Madrid’s young midfielder, Arda Guler. Dispossessed in the middle of the park by Mason Greenwood, Guler’s error allowed Weah to break through the Madrid defense. The former Manchester United attacker displayed remarkable composure and clinical finishing, smashing an unstoppable shot past Thibaut Courtois to give Marseille an early lead. The goal reflected both Marseille’s opportunistic approach and the potential vulnerability in Madrid’s defensive coordination during high-pressure moments.

Despite the setback, Real Madrid remained undeterred. The Santiago Bernabéu crowd, renowned for its passionate support, amplified the team’s resolve. The first half witnessed several outstanding moments, particularly from Marseille’s goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, who emerged as a standout performer. Rulli’s agility, reflexes, and positioning were on full display as he denied Madrid on no fewer than ten occasions, including a remarkable one-handed save that thwarted a point-blank attempt from Mbappé. His heroics were a testament to the intense level of competition in the Champions League and highlighted how a single goalkeeper can influence the course of a match.

Madrid’s persistence finally paid off shortly after the half-hour mark. A clumsy challenge by Geoffrey Kondogbia on Rodrygo inside the penalty area led to the award of a spot-kick. Mbappé, calm under pressure, stepped up and converted the penalty, restoring parity for the home side. The goal underscored both Madrid’s resilience and their capacity to respond swiftly to adversity, an essential quality for any team aiming to succeed at the highest level of European football.

As the game progressed, tensions on the pitch escalated. The match took a dramatic turn in the 72nd minute when Dani Carvajal, involved in a heated altercation, was shown a red card for head-butting Marseille goalkeeper Rulli. The incident shocked fans and players alike, reducing Madrid to ten men during a crucial phase of the game. Carvajal’s sending-off not only forced tactical adjustments but also tested the mental and physical resolve of the team, who now had to navigate the remainder of the match under significant pressure.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid continued to press for victory, refusing to allow the red card to dictate the match’s outcome. The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute under contentious circumstances. Vinícius Júnior, introduced as a substitute, made a dynamic run into the penalty area, creating confusion among the Marseille defenders. The ball deflected off Facundo Medina’s boot and struck the outstretched arm of the defender. After a brief VAR review, a penalty was awarded, and once again, Mbappé displayed his trademark composure, calmly converting the spot-kick to secure a 2-1 lead for the Spanish giants.

After the final whistle, Mbappé expressed both relief and satisfaction at his team’s performance. Speaking to Movistar Plus, he highlighted the challenges of playing with a reduced squad and praised the team’s resilience. “It was a difficult night, because we were down to 10 men, but we showed our Champions League spirit at the Santiago Bernabéu. We know we can win here against anyone, and we’re happy for the victory,” he said. On the controversial handball that led to his second penalty, he added, “Analysing handballs is very complicated. For me, it’s a penalty, but I understand that some people don’t think so. We’re all confused by this rule. They said it was a penalty, I took it and I scored.”

The match will be remembered for its high drama, individual brilliance, and intense moments of controversy. Mbappé’s performance reinforced his status as one of the game’s elite talents, capable of influencing outcomes in the most critical situations. At the same time, Carvajal’s red card serves as a reminder of how emotions can run high in the heat of competition, potentially jeopardizing a team’s strategy and discipline.

For Marseille, the result was disappointing, but there were positives to take from the encounter. Timothy Weah’s goal, coupled with Rulli’s remarkable saves, showcased the team’s attacking potential and defensive resolve. However, defensive lapses at crucial moments, combined with disciplinary issues from Real Madrid’s opposition, ultimately cost them a point against a formidable European opponent.

The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a quintessential Champions League spectacle: moments of skill and flair intertwined with drama and controversy. Fans left the stadium buzzing with discussions about VAR decisions, tactical maneuvers, and the heroic performances of key players. This match will likely remain a talking point for both clubs as the group stage progresses, illustrating the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in elite European competition.

In summary, Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Marseille encapsulated the very essence of Champions League football—intensity, unpredictability, skill, and the occasional controversy. Kylian Mbappé’s decisive penalties not only secured three points for his team but also underscored the importance of mental fortitude and composure under pressure. Despite the setback of playing with ten men following Carvajal’s red card, Madrid showcased resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding desire to win that has become synonymous with their illustrious European history.

As the group stage unfolds, both clubs will reflect on the lessons from this match. For Real Madrid, it is a reminder of their ability to overcome adversity and seize opportunities, even in high-pressure situations. For Marseille, the encounter highlights the need for defensive discipline and consistency, particularly against elite opposition. Football enthusiasts around the world can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the Champions League season progresses, with moments like these exemplifying why the competition remains the pinnacle of club football.