Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, Sep 17: Kylian Mbappé once again rose to the occasion, scoring twice to hand Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Marseille in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The French forward was in the thick of the action right from the start, coming close twice before Franco Mastantuono also tested Marseille’s backline. Against the run of play, Timothy Weah put the visitors ahead, only for Mbappé to level from the penalty spot before half-time. Mastantuono missed a golden chance to give Los Blancos the lead at the interval.
The second half provided more drama as Mbappé struck the crossbar and Thibaut Courtois denied Marseille with key saves. Dani Carvajal’s red card added tension, but Madrid were awarded another penalty through VAR. Mbappé converted calmly to put his side ahead with ten men. Courtois ensured all three points with a late save to secure victory.
Real Madrid start their European campaign with three points, but once again finish with ten men, continuing a fiery trend in their recent outings.