Kylian Mbappé netted two penalties, including a decisive 81st-minute strike, to guide 10-man Real Madrid to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Marseille in their UEFA Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
The French star converted from the spot in the 28th minute after a controversial handball decision before repeating the feat late in the game to secure Madrid’s 200th Champions League win.
His second goal also marked 50 goals for Real Madrid since joining the club, continuing their perfect start to the season with five straight victories across all competitions.
In the 71st minute, Dani Carvajal was sent off, and Marseille equalized.
But Mbappé’s composure under pressure ensured Madrid maintained their European dominance.
Speaking to club media after the match, Mbappé addressed the ongoing debate over handball rules:
“Sometimes they say they’ll give them all, and then they don’t. It’s difficult to find any logic in it. We follow the rule, and if it’s a penalty, it’s a penalty. Either it’s handball or it isn’t”
The win puts Real Madrid on track for another strong European campaign as they chase a record-extending 16th Champions League crown.
