Real Madrid vs. Marseille: Champions League Opener Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

The Santiago Bernabéu prepares for a captivating European night as Real Madrid hosts Olympique Marseille to kick off their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign. This highly anticipated fixture marks the first Champions League match under the stewardship of new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, and all eyes will be on the legendary midfielder as he aims to guide the Spanish giants back to continental glory.

After a disappointing quarter-final exit to Arsenal last season, the pressure is on Alonso to deliver immediate results in Europe’s elite competition. Their first challenge comes against a familiar foe, Marseille, whom Real Madrid boasts a perfect historical record against.

Historical Dominance: A Perfect Record for Los Blancos

Real Madrid enters this clash with a significant psychological advantage, having won all four of their previous encounters with the French side. The last meeting, a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid on December 8, 2009, highlights their historical dominance. However, over a decade has passed since these two European heavyweights last locked horns, setting the stage for a fresh and exciting contest.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille will be eager to write a new chapter in this rivalry and secure their first-ever victory against the 14-time Champions League winners. Can they defy history, or will Real Madrid extend their flawless record?

Match Details: When and Where to Watch

• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
• Date: Tuesday, September 16
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Irfan Peljto

Head-to-Head Record

• Real Madrid Wins: 4
• Marseille Wins: 0
• Draws: 0
• Last Meeting: Marseille 1–3 Real Madrid (Dec. 8, 2009) – Champions League

Current Form (All Competitions)

Real Madrid:

• Real Sociedad 1–2 Real Madrid – 13/9/25
• Real Madrid 2–1 Mallorca – 30/8/25
• Real Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid – 24/8/25
• Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna – 19/8/25
• WSG Tirol 0–4 Real Madrid – 12/8/25

Marseille:

• Marseille 4–0 Lorient – 12/9/25
• Lyon 1–1 Marseille – 31/8/25
• Marseille 5–2 Paris FC – 23/8/25
• Rennes 1–0 Marseille – 15/8/25
• Marseille 3–1 Aston Villa – 9/8/25

How to Watch

For a comprehensive list of Champions League broadcasters worldwide, click here.

Real Madrid Team News: Bellingham Returns!

In a massive boost for Real Madrid, both Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga have been confirmed available for selection. While it’s unlikely either midfielder will start after recovering from injury, their presence on the bench provides invaluable depth and options for Xabi Alonso.

Defender Dean Huijsen is also available despite a weekend red card, as his suspension only applies to La Liga fixtures. However, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick remain sidelined with injuries, presenting Alonso with defensive selection challenges.

Predicted Real Madrid Lineup (4-3-3)

Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.

Significant questions remain over who will occupy the crucial right-wing position, offering Alonso a tactical dilemma.

Marseille Team News: Defensive Woes for De Zerbi

Marseille arrives in Madrid without new signing Nayef Aguerd, who is undergoing concussion protocol after his recent debut. This absence forces Roberto De Zerbi to choose between Leonardo Balerdi and the returning CJ Egan-Riley to partner Benjamin Pavard in central defense.

Further concerns surround striker Amine Gouiri, who was substituted in the first half of Friday’s match against Lorient due to an awkward collision. If Gouiri is deemed unfit to start, veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to lead the line for Marseille.

Predicted Marseille Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson; Gomes, Kondogbia; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Aubameyang.

Tim Weah will be particularly motivated to find his first goal for Marseille on such a grand stage.

Score Prediction: Real Madrid’s Attacking Prowess to Shine

Real Madrid’s formidable attacking trio, featuring the prolific Kylian Mbappé and the ever-dangerous Vinícius Júnior, poses a significant threat to any defense. Mbappé, known for his prowess against Marseille during his Ligue 1 days, will be eager to continue his scoring run on his new European stage.

Furthermore, Xabi Alonso’s new-look defense has been remarkably solid, yet to concede a goal from open play this season. This defensive resilience, combined with the Bernabéu’s electrifying atmosphere and Real Madrid’s star power, is expected to be too much for Marseille to overcome, especially away from home.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–0 Marseille