Real Madrid reacts with Mbappé’s goal and seeks a comeback against Olympique in the Champions League

In an electrifying Champions League first-phase match, Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time. The game, filled with intense moments and pressure from both sides, was highlighted by Kylian Mbappé’s penalty goal at the 28th minute of the first half, leveling the score after Olympique took the lead with a goal from Timothy Weah at the 21st minute. The match, still ongoing at the 36th minute of the first half, shows Real Madrid pushing aggressively for a comeback while Olympique holds firm with solid saves from goalkeeper Rulli. The clash reflects the historic rivalry between the teams, with the French fans creating a tense atmosphere in the stadium.

The match kicked off with Olympique de Marseille starting play, but Real Madrid quickly applied pressure. At the 5th minute, Mastantuono hit the post, signaling the hosts’ intent to dominate. Olympique responded with swift plays, culminating in Weah’s goal after a defensive error. The equalizer came via Mbappé, who converted a penalty with precision, reigniting the Bernabéu crowd.

Siga o Mix Vale no Google e veja nossas notícias primeiro

• Key moments so far:
  • 5′: Mastantuono hits the post after a move down the right.
  • 21′: Timothy Weah scores for Olympique, shooting into Courtois’ bottom left corner.
  • 26′: Rodrygo wins a penalty, converted by Mbappé at the 28th minute.
  • 32′: Tchouaméni shoots from outside the box, but Rulli saves.
  • 34′: Tchouaméni receives a yellow card for a foul on Hölbjerg.

Timeline of key plays

The clash between Real Madrid and Olympique de Marseille has been marked by high-intensity moments. The game started with the hosts pressing, but Olympique capitalized on defensive lapses. Below are the main events up to the 36th minute of the first half:

• 1′: Mbappé’s volley threat – After a cross from Carrerras, Mbappé attempts an acrobatic volley, but the ball goes over the bar.
• 5′: Mastantuono hits the post – The Real Madrid attacker enters the box from the right, battles the goalkeeper, and hits the left post.
• 21′: Olympique’s goal – Timothy Weah scores after Greenwood steals the ball and sets up the shot into Courtois’ bottom corner.
• 28′: Mbappé’s goal – After a penalty won by Rodrygo, Mbappé scores with a precise shot to the right corner.
• 29′: Near wondergoal by Mastantuono – The young attacker links up with Mbappé, dribbles past defenders, but is stopped by Rulli’s save.

The match remains balanced, with Real Madrid probing the French defense and Olympique relying on quick counterattacks.

Early pressure and French response

Real Madrid took the field backed by their fans, who displayed a banner calling for a Champions League title. In the opening minutes, the team dominated offensively. Rodrygo, at the 7th minute, fired a cross-shot, forcing Rulli into a tough save. Mbappé, at the 9th minute, also had a chance but was denied by the goalkeeper. The pressure was disrupted by an early substitution: Trent Alexander-Arnold felt a left thigh injury at the 3rd minute and was replaced by Carvajal.

Olympique, despite early struggles, found their rhythm. Timothy Weah, at the 13th minute, nearly scored with a cross-shot that skimmed the crossbar. The goal came at the 21st minute when Greenwood capitalized on a mistake by Güler to set up Weah’s precise finish. The French fans, with around 4,000 in attendance at the Bernabéu, erupted, despite their provocative chants against Mbappé, a former rival from his PSG and Monaco days.

Mbappé leads the merengue comeback

Real Madrid’s equalizer came at a pivotal moment. At the 26th minute, Rodrygo was fouled by Kondogbia in the box, earning a penalty. Mbappé, with composure, outwitted goalkeeper Rulli to score, reigniting the hopes of the Bernabéu faithful. The Frenchman, with a history of rivalry against Olympique, was the standout of the first half, involved in nearly every attacking move.

• Factors highlighting Mbappé’s performance:
  • Key role in attacking plays with dribbles and shots.
  • Precise penalty kick, leaving Rulli no chance.
  • Effective link-up with Mastantuono, creating dangerous chances.

After the goal, Real Madrid ramped up the pressure. Tchouaméni, despite a yellow card at the 34th minute, tested Rulli with a long-range shot at the 32nd minute. Mastantuono, at the 29th minute, nearly scored a stunning goal after a one-two with Mbappé but was thwarted by Rulli.

🫡 ¿Habías pedido gol? Llama a @KMbappe. pic.twitter.com/3vfGJjZZWO

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 16, 2025

Rulli’s crucial saves

Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli has been one of Olympique’s standout performers. With key saves, he prevented Real Madrid from taking the lead. At the 9th minute, he denied a powerful shot from Mbappé. At the 32nd minute, he saved a strike from Tchouaméni. Despite a moment of uncertainty at the 24th minute, when he nearly tripped over the ball in the box, Rulli recovered and maintained his defensive solidity.

• Rulli’s key saves:
  • 7′: Rodrygo’s cross-shot, saved with quick reflexes.
  • 9′: Mbappé’s shot after a dribble, parried for a corner.
  • 32′: Tchouaméni’s shot from the edge of the box, saved.

Olympique, despite less possession, showed efficiency in counterattacks. Weah, the goal scorer, was a constant threat on the left, while Greenwood exploited gaps in Real Madrid’s defense.

Heated atmosphere at the Bernabéu

The rivalry between the fanbases set the tone before kickoff. Around 4,000 Olympique de Marseille supporters arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu under police escort, chanting provocations aimed at Mbappé, who has faced the French club during his time at PSG and Monaco. Real Madrid’s fans responded with a banner demanding a Champions League title, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The match, up to the 36th minute, reflects tactical balance. Real Madrid relies on the speed of Mbappé and Rodrygo, while Olympique trusts their defensive solidity and counterattacks. Alexander-Arnold’s early substitution may affect Real’s right flank, but Carvajal has held firm.

Detailed match timeline

The game has been marked by fast-paced action and intense duels. Below is a detailed timeline of key moments:

• 3′: Alexander-Arnold injury – The right-back feels a thigh issue and is replaced by Carvajal.
• 9′: Mbappé tests Rulli – After a pass from Rodrygo, Mbappé dribbles and shoots, but Rulli saves.
• 13′: Weah’s threat – The Olympique attacker fires a cross-shot just over the bar.
• 21′: Olympique’s goal – Weah scores after Greenwood’s assist.
• 28′: Mbappé’s goal – Penalty converted by the Frenchman, tying the game.

The match remains open, with Real Madrid chasing a comeback and Olympique aiming to hold the draw. The Bernabéu crowd keeps the energy high, with Mbappé as the hosts’ main weapon.