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Top 10 Players: Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille

TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-REAL MADRID-MARSEILLE

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Real Madrid began their UEFA Champions League campaign of 2025-26 with a 2–1 win over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. Timothy Weah opened the scoring for the visitors. Kylian Mbappé equalised from the penalty spot before adding another from 12 yards in the second half to secure Xabi Alonso’s first European victory as Madrid manager. Dani Carvajal was sent off in the closing stages, yet Madrid held firm to claim all three points.

Marseille players featured prominently in several categories. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg completed 96.5% of his passes, attempted nine progressive passes, carried the ball forward seven times, and topped the match with eight ball recoveries. Facundo Medina had 88 touches and five recoveries, while Leonardo Balerdi added 92.2% pass completion and five recoveries of his own.

Mason Greenwood created three key passes, made nine progressive carries, and recorded six ball recoveries. For Madrid, Carvajal completed 97.1% of his passes and all of his longballs, and Álvaro Carreras registered seven recoveries.

Dean Huijsen delivered a complete performance in buildup and progression. He attempted 16 progressive passes, finished with 62 touches, and connected on 66.7% of his longballs. He also contributed defensively, making interventions across the back line. His xT gain of 0.995 was the second-highest of the match.

Aurélien Tchouaméni anchored the midfield with both control and impact. He completed 91.2% of his passes, contributed 16 progressive passes, and carried the ball forward nine times. He added 66 touches, 13 of them in the final third, and recovered possession five times. His xT gain of 1.269 led all players on the pitch.

Mbappé continued his fine form, now in the Champions League. He scored twice from the penalty spot. He led the match with 15 progressive carries, recorded 37 touches in the final third, had two successful take-ons, and completed 86.7% of his passes. His all-around attacking profile reflected his decisive role in the result.