Kylian Mbappe scored twice from the penalty spot as 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille in their Champions League opener.
Real were dealt an early setback when Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a suspected hamstring injury after just three minutes. The England defender was replaced by Dani Carvajal, who later received a red card with 18 minutes left after clashing with Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Timothy Weah gave Marseille the lead in the 22nd minute, firing past Thibaut Courtois after Mason Greenwood stole the ball in midfield. But six minutes later, Mbappe equalised from the spot after Geoffrey Kondogbia fouled Rodrygo in the box.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang twice went close for Marseille, but Courtois and poor finishing kept Real level. Despite being down to 10 men, Real pressed on and were rewarded when Facundo Medina handled the ball while trying to stop Vinicius Jr. Mbappe calmly converted the penalty for his second of the night and sixth goal of the season.
The win gives new coach Xabi Alonso a strong start in Europe as Real aim to reclaim their Champions League crown after falling to Arsenal in last season’s quarter-finals.
Madrid, who top La Liga, will face Kairat in Kazakhstan on September 30, while Marseille host Ajax the same night.
Alexander-Arnold’s injury could rule him out of a potential return to Anfield, with Madrid scheduled to face Liverpool on November 4.
