Real Madrid opened their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 home victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu, a win that combined resilience under pressure with tactical grit—and one that came amid early adversity including a serious injury to their new signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Marseille took an early lead in the 22nd minute when a defensive miscue involving Arda Güler led to a pass to Mason Greenwood, who found Timothy Weah lurking for a composed finish. Real Madrid’s reply came not long after: a penalty awarded after a foul on Rodrygo by Geoffrey Kondogbia, which Kylian Mbappé converted to equalize.
As the second half unfolded, Real had to contend with more drama. First, just minutes into the match, Alexander-Arnold pulled up with a hamstring injury and was forced to leave the pitch, replaced by Dani Carvajal. Then, in the 72nd minute, Carvajal was sent off for a headbutt on Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, reducing Madrid to 10 men
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid held their nerve. Late in the game, a handball by Facundo Medina in the Marseille box led to another penalty, which Mbappé converted in the 81st minute to give Madrid the winning edge.
Alexander-Arnold’s Injury: What We Know & What’s at Stake
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury adds a layer of concern. Sources report he suffered a hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left leg just around the 3- to 5-minute mark of the match, forcing his early exit. Real Madrid’s medical team have confirmed the muscle injury, and projections suggest he may be sidelined for six to eight weeks.
The timing is particularly harsh: Alexander-Arnold had only recently joined Madrid from Liverpool, was making one of his first starts of the season, and this was his Champions League debut for the club. It’s a blow both in terms of continuity (defensive structure, passing from the wing) and morale.