Sixteen years have passed since these sides last met on Europe’s grandest stage, and the Santiago Bernabéu will buzz on matchday one when Real Madrid welcome Olympique de Marseille. Xabi Alonso steps into the spotlight for his first Champions League fixture in charge, carrying the weight of expectation after Madrid’s quarterfinal exit last season.
The hosts have hit top gear in La Liga with maximum points from their opening three matches and a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. Across the border, Marseille warmed up with a commanding 4-0 home victory against Lorient, but French visitors face a daunting task in Spain’s capital against a side with a perfect record in this historic matchup.
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs. Marseille
Viewers in the United Kingdom can see the action live on TNT Sports, while United States audiences have access via Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video. Indian fans should tune in to Sony Ten 2, with kick-off set for 9:00 PM BST, 8:00 PM CEST, 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT, and 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday).
Probable Starting Lineups for Real Madrid vs. Marseille
Real Madrid
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz
Olympique de Marseille
GK: Gerónimo Rulli
Defenders: Emerson, Dayot Upamecano, Oumar Solet, Jonathan Clauss
Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Youssef Hadji, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Forwards: Mason Greenwood, Amine Gouiri, Darío Benedetto
Real Madrid vs Marseille 😮💨 #UCL pic.twitter.com/3tTOW0QwPU
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 16, 2025
Current Form
Real Madrid have started La Liga with three straight victories, most recently beating Real Sociedad 2-1 as new signings Valverde and Güler combined impressively in midfield. Absences include Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and Endrick, while Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga remain doubtful after injury lay-offs.
Marseille sit seventh in Ligue 1 following their 4-0 demolition of Lorient and are unbeaten at the Stade Vélodrome this season. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have no confirmed injuries to report, though Amine Gouiri is doubtful after a head knock.
Key Battles in Real Madrid vs. Marseille
Federico Valverde vs Matteo Guendouzi: Madrid’s engine takes on Marseille’s combative midfield orchestrator as both look to impose control.
Kylian Mbappé vs Dayot Upamecano: Mbappé’s electric movement and finishing will test Upamecano’s recovering form and positional judgment.
Arda Güler vs Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Argentina-born Güler’s creativity faces off against Aubameyang’s pace and veteran experience to unlock tight defences.
✨ REAL MADRID. CHAMPIONS. BERNABÉU. pic.twitter.com/0JA2cCUk59
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 16, 2025
Tactical Analysis for Real Madrid vs. Marseille
Real Madrid will press aggressively, using their fullbacks to overlap and overload wide areas before cutting back inside with clever one-twos. Alonso’s blueprint emphasizes quick transitions and ball retention, aiming to dominate possession early and trouble Marseille’s build-up.
Marseille plan to sit compact, invite Madrid forward, and strike on the counter through Greenwood’s directness and Aubameyang’s experience. De Zerbi values vertical passing from deep midfield and will look for early set-piece opportunities.
Prediction for Real Madrid vs. Marseille
Real Madrid’s depth and home advantage at the Bernabéu should prove decisive, especially against a Marseille side still finding its feet in European competition. Expect a controlled performance from Madrid, who will grind out a 2-0 victory while keeping Marseille mostly pinned and waiting for rare breaks forward.
