Audio By Carbonatix
Kylian Mbappe scored two penalties as 10-man Real Madrid battled to victory over Marseille in their Champions League opener.
Los Blancos were handed an early blow when Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury after only three minutes.
And they suffered another setback when the England full-back's replacement, Dani Carvajal, was sent off with 18 minutes left after he faced off with Geronimo Rulli and moved his head towards the Marseille goalkeeper.
But the 15-time European champions emerged victorious thanks to Mbappe, who twice stepped up to slam spot-kicks past Rulli, taking his club tally to six in five games this season.
Timothy Weah had opened the scoring for Marseille in the 22nd minute, beating Thibaut Courtois with a powerful strike after former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood stole possession from Arda Guler in the middle of the pitch.
But their lead lasted just six minutes as Mbappe, who had come close to scoring in the early stages with an acrobatic bicycle kick, converted his first penalty after Geoffrey Kondogbia had brought down Rodrygo in the box.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang twice came close to restoring the French side's lead, but dragged the first effort wide, before Courtois punched away the ex-Arsenal captain's second strike.
Even after Carvajal's red card, Real continued to create chances and were rewarded for their efforts when visiting defender Facundo Medina handled following a strong challenge to stop Vinicius Jr in the box.
Once again, Mbappe kept his cool and his penalty had enough pace to beat Rulli, who had guessed the right way.
Latest Stories
-
NPP demands sack of officials over Ghana’s cocaine busts, accuses Mahama of weak leadership
2 minutes -
Fully mobilise back to Dome-Kitase road this week – Roads Minister directs First Sky Construction
5 minutes -
2027 AFCONQ: Baba Rahman latest to pull out of Black Stars squad
15 minutes -
CPP renews call for return of properties seized after Nkrumah’s overthrow
18 minutes -
Education Minister challenges universities to align programmes with job market needs
24 minutes -
Adequate provisions made for feeding in Senior High Schools —Education Minister
26 minutes -
Demonstrations don’t start road projects; resources do – Roads Minister tells Dome-Kitase residents
26 minutes -
Who is Ghana Jollof? The woman behind the viral TikTok account
33 minutes -
Sekou Nkrumah calls for democratic socialism and clear ideology to revive CPP
44 minutes -
World Vision Ghana, Somoco Ghana partner to improve healthcare access in Agortime
45 minutes -
Adopt scientific formula for setting transport fares – COPEC urges operators
60 minutes -
What Is Wrong With Us: The world must be ashamed that childhood has become so dangerous for so many children
1 hour -
Extractive revenue volatility threatens GH₵30bn expressway dream; contingency measures needed – CIPAC
1 hour -
Agribusinesses must invest across entire value chain, not just land and machinery – Gladys Sampson
1 hour -
BHOBU Games marks 10th edition in grand style
1 hour