Real Madrid begin their UEFA Champions League campaign tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu against Olympique de Marseille.
Match details:
- Date & Time: Tuesday, September 16 – 20:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
- Referee: Irfan Peljto – Bosnia and Herzegovina
- How to Watch: BeIN Sports 1 MENA, BeIN Sports English 1 MENA, Canal+ France, M+ Liga de Campeones.
Xabi Alonso’s men have strung together four straight La Liga wins. The focus now is to carry that rhythm into Europe.
- Injury update: Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga return but are not expected to start. Antonio Rüdiger is sidelined until December, while Ferland Mendy and Endrick also miss out.
- Likely starters: Thibaut Courtois remains untouchable in goal, with Militao and Huijsen set to continue in central defence. Alexander-Arnold is tipped to edge Carvajal at right-back, while Carreras keeps his place on the left.
- Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni anchors, with Valverde’s energy and Guler’s creativity providing balance.
- Attack: Mbappé, in devastating form, will lead the line, flanked by Vinicius Jr. and teenage talent Mastantuono.
Alonso insisted: “For this team, it’s special to play at the Bernabéu… tomorrow we have a very demanding opponent and we hope to start well.”
Marseille: Dangerous but Undermanned
Marseille arrive buoyed by a 4-0 thrashing of Lorient at the weekend, but missing key figures.
- Notable absentees: Defender Nayef Aguerd is out under concussion protocol, while Hamed Junior Traoré is also missing.
- Likely shape: De Zerbi is expected to opt for a back five with Balerdi, Pavard and Medina in central defence. Weah and Murillo provide width. In midfield, Kondogbia holds with Gomes given licence to push forward. Greenwood supports Aubameyang in attack.
Captain Léo Balerdi said: “The main thing will be to minimise mistakes and play at 100%. If we play our game, we will create chances. But we cannot afford errors.”
Coach De Zerbi warned: “Even if you are attentive, you can still concede. So imagine if you are not.”
Tactical Edge
Madrid’s quality in transition, particularly Mbappé and Vinicius attacking spaces, looks decisive. Marseille will need discipline and compactness to avoid being overwhelmed. The absence of Aguerd removes a calming presence in their back line, which could be exploited by Mbappé’s movement.
Marseille’s hope lies in set-pieces and Aubameyang’s sharpness. But if Madrid control midfield tempo, the French side risk being pinned back for long stretches.
Safest Calls
- Real Madrid to win – too much firepower at home.
- Over 2.5 goals – both teams attack more than defend.
- Mbappé to score anytime – in red-hot form.
- Exact Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Olympique de Marseille
