MADRID (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe converted two penalties to secure Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in their Champions League group stage opener despite playing the final stages with 10 men after captain Dani Carvajal was sent off.
The Santiago Bernabeu was the stage for a dramatic match, with moments of brilliance from the goalkeepers, a glaring error from a young star and late controversy leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Real Madrid began on the front foot despite coach Xabi Alonso being forced into an early substitution when fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained a leg injury three minutes after kickoff.
Mbappe nearly produced a spectacular opener with a bicycle kick from inside the box that flew just wide, while Franco Mastantuono also went close, striking a low shot against the post after muscling past two defenders.
Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli was their standout performer in the first half, denying Madrid on 10 occasions, including a stunning one-handed save to thwart Mbappe from point-blank range.
It was Marseille who drew first blood in the 22nd minute when Timothy Weah capitalised on a costly mistake by Arda Guler.
The Turkish midfielder was dispossessed by Mason Greenwood, allowing the former Manchester United forward to thread a pass through to Weah who raced clear of the Madrid defence before smashing an unstoppable shot past Thibaut Courtois.
The visitors’ lead lasted seven minutes, however, as Geoffrey Kondogbia clumsily tripped Rodrygo inside the penalty area and Mbappe equalised for the 15-time European champions.
Real Madrid dominated possession after the break but were largely toothless, failing to trouble the visitors' defence. Mbappe offered their only spark, hitting the bar with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 49th minute.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 72nd minute when Carvajal was sent off for head-butting Rulli in a heated altercation.
Mbappe had the final word in the 87th minute, however, after substitute Vinicius Jr made a great run and the ball deflected off Facundo Medina's boot and struck the defender's outstretched arm.
"It was a difficult night, because we were down to 10 men, but we showed our Champions League spirit at the Santiago Bernabeu. We know we can win here against anyone and we're happy for the victory," Mbappe told Movistar Plus.
"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."
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi was fuming over the referee's decision to award the late penalty.
"The second penalty is disgraceful, it wasn't a penalty, I would have said so even if it had been in my team's favour. It was never a penalty," De Zerbi told a press conference.
"These matches have to be the norm (for Marseille), coming to the Bernabeu, getting used to it has a different impact, it gives you a boost in terms of ambition and seeing yourself as a big club in the future."
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed Osmond and Toby Davis)
