Real Madrid kick off their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Tuesday, September 16.
The league phase clash will see the 15-time European champions take on French side Marseille, who are returning to Europe’s top competition after a two-season absence.
Match preview
The historical record between these two clubs paints a clear picture of Spanish dominance. Real Madrid have won all four of their previous meetings against Marseille, all of which have come in the Champions League.
Their most recent meetings came in the 2009-10 group stage, with Madrid winning 3-0 at the Bernabeu and 3-1 in France.
For Real Madrid, a strong start is unassailable. After a “disappointing” campaign that ended in the quarter-finals against Arsenal last season, the club is desperate to reassert its dominance in Europe.
Real Madrid have made a strong start to their La Liga campaign, winning four of their four matches and conceding just two goals while scoring eight.
Kylian Mbappe has been instrumental, scoring in each of their four league games. Arda Güler and Vinicius Junior have also made significant contributions in attack. The defense has shown resilience, conceding just two goals in four games.
For Marseille, the challenge is different. Returning to the Champions League after a two-season absence, a positive performance – even in defeat – could be a crucial confidence boost for their upcoming group stage matches and their intense Ligue 1 schedule, which includes a trip to Madrid a few days later against Paris Saint-Germain.
Marseille have had a mixed start to the Ligue 1 season, with two wins and two losses in their opening four games, with their form on the road showing a clear weakness.
The team has shown defensive weaknesses away from home, losing both away games to Lyon and Rennes 1-0, failing to score in either match.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood have each scored two league goals, while Greenwood has also provided three assists, making him a key creative force.
Team News and Injury Updates
Real Madrid enter their Champions League opener with a number of significant injury concerns.
The defensive department has been particularly affected, with Antonio Rudiger expected to miss “a lot of the rest of the year” with a quad injury. He has been joined on the sidelines by left-back Ferland Mendy (hamstring).
However, the most notable absence is Jude Bellingham, who is not expected to return until October after undergoing surgery on a shoulder problem. Young Brazilian striker Andrik also missed last season with a hamstring tear.
There is some positive news, as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to start despite recent fitness concerns. The Belgian shot-stopper has been included in the squad recently.
Meanwhile, late fitness tests for key attackers have complicated Marseille’s preparations.
Amine Gouri is a major doubt after being substituted before half-time in the win over Lorient with a shoulder problem. His possible absence would be a significant blow to Marseille’s attacking plans.
On a more positive note, summer signing Igor Paxão finally made his debut as a substitute against Lorient after missing the first three games with a muscle injury, and his availability has given De Zurbi a final extra option.
Defender Nayef Aguirre, who scored on his debut against Lorient, will not be on the trip to Madrid due to concussion protocols, further weakening Marseille’s defensive resources.
Tactical Preview and Expected Lineups
Real Madrid are expected to field a 4-1-2-3 formation. Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have maintained their excellent start to the season with a mix of structured possession and destructive transitions.
Alonso’s system emphasises control through midfield, with Aurelien Chaumany likely to drop into the defensive line to build possession from behind.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior’s incredible pace and directness on the break have become Los Blancos’ most potent weapons.
Alonso has occasionally used a back three in pre-season, but due to defensive injuries, a four-man defence is more likely.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could feature at right-back, with Carvajal moving centrally, but Carreras is expected to get the nod at left-back.
Roberto de Zerbi is known for his possession-heavy, attacking philosophy. At the Bernabeu, too, Marseille can be expected to try to implement their passing game in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
They have averaged over 60% possession in recent matches, although their effectiveness in the final third has been inconsistent, particularly away from home. Their high defensive line could be vulnerable to Madrid’s quick counterattacks.
Balerdi could start centrally in Aguirre’s absence. If Gouiri is fit, he could take Nadir’s place in the attacking midfield trio, playing behind Aubameyang.
Real Madrid Predicted XI vs Marseille:Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal (C), Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Arda Güler; Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
Marseille Predicted XI vs Real Madrid: Gerónimo Rulli; Amir Murillo, Benjamin Pavard, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina; Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Angel Gomes; Mason Greenwood, Bilal Nadir, Timothy Weah; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Match Prediction and Key Factors
Despite Marseille’s convincing 4-0 win over Lorient, their poor away form—losing both away games in Ligue 1 without scoring—makes a positive result at the Bernabéu highly unlikely.
Real Madrid, under Alonso, have shown resilience and efficiency, winning all four league games even while not always hitting top gear.
The historical dominance, combined with Madrid’s current form and the intimidating atmosphere of a European night at the Bernabéu, points toward a home victory.
However, Marseille’s quality in attack suggests they could find a consolation goal.
Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3 – 1 Marseille
