Mbappe on the spot as 10-man Real fight back to beat Marseille

MADRID : 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