The Champions League is back at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Real Madrid begin their quest for a record-extending 16th European crown against Marseille on Tuesday night. Xabi Alonso’s Los Blancos come into the tie in fine form, top of La Liga with 4wins from 4.
Their latest was a tough 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, secured despite playing an hour with ten men. Momentum is building in Madrid, and the expectation is clear: they must dominate Europe again.
Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, returns to the Champions League league phase for the first time since 2022-23. A mix of youth and experience fuels their ambition, but history isn’t on their side: they’ve never beaten Madrid, and no French team has ever won at the Bernabeu.Still, with Mason Greenwood, Benjamin Pavard, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their ranks, OM won’t travel to Spain just to make up the numbers.
Real Madrid vs Marseille: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Real Madrid 4 wins, Marseille 0 wins, 0 draws
Real Madrid unbeaten in La Liga this season (4W)
Marseille have lost both away games in Ligue 1 this season
Madrid have scored 3+ goals in 3 of their 4 meetings with Marseille
No French side has ever beaten Real Madrid away in the UCL (D4, L11)
What to Expect From Both Teams
Real Madrid;
Los Blancos are flying domestically, with Kylian Mbappe already firing and Arda Guler finding his feet. Injuries remain an issue. Rudiger, Bellingham, Endrick, and Mendy are out, but Alonso has depth. Federico Valverde could return to midfield, and Franco Mastantuono may start on the right. Madrid’s strength is in attack: Mbappe, Vinicius, and Guler can overwhelm any backline.
Marseille;De Zerbi’s side are inconsistent but dangerous. They thrashed Lorient 4-0 at the weekend, with Greenwood, Pavard, Gomes, and Aguerd all scoring. Aubameyang could return to lead the line, while Weah offers pace in wide areas. Defensive discipline is key. OM conceded 6 goals in their last 2 away games. If they can keep it tight, they’ll hope Greenwood’s creativity sparks something.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) ⚪: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
Marseille (4-2-3-1) 🔵: Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Aguerd, Medina; Gomes, Kondogbia; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Aubameyang
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Arda Guler: Emerging as Madrid’s creative wildcard.
🔹 Vinicius Jr: Always a threat in big European nights at the Bernabeu.
🔹 Mason Greenwood: Scored at the weekend, will relish the stage.
🔹 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Experience and goalscoring pedigree could be vital.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Marseille to win: 8.10
💵 Draw: 5.90
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.62
💵 Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer: 1.90
💵 Aubameyang Anytime Goalscorer: 4.00
Madrid’s history, form, and firepower make them heavy favourites, but De Zerbi’s Marseille have enough attacking flair to cause problems. If Greenwood and Aubameyang turn up, this could be more competitive than many expect. Still, the Bernabeu is a fortress, and Madrid rarely stumbles here on opening night.
