Real Madrid vs Marseille – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Real Madrid returns to the Champions League stage with a clash against Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The 15-time European champions will kick off their 2025/26 Champions League campaign as overwhelming favourites against the French side.

Real Madrid vs Marseille – Match Preview and Team News

Real Madrid Team News

Xabi Alonso faces significant defensive challenges heading into this crucial European opener. The most concerning development is the long-term injury to veteran centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who suffered a muscle injury in his left leg during training. The German international is expected to be sidelined for approximately two to three months, potentially missing key fixtures including El Clásico against Barcelona and crucial Champions League matches against Juventus and Liverpool.

The injury list continues to grow for Los Blancos, with several key players unavailable. Endrick is nursing a hamstring injury that will keep him out until late September, while left-back Ferland Mendy is also sidelined with a muscle problem. There’s better news on Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, who have each been named in the squad after injuries. Bellingham has not featured since undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer.

Dean Huijsen will miss the next league match due to suspension after receiving a controversial red card in the weekend’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. However, this ban only applies to La Liga fixtures. The Spanish defender will be available for Champions League action and could partner Eder Militao in central defence.

Marseille Team News

Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille arrive in Madrid with renewed confidence following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Lorient on Friday. The Italian manager finally had the opportunity to field several of his new summer signings together, with Benjamin Pavard and Nayef Aguerd making impressive debuts in the victory.

However, De Zerbi faces some selection dilemmas of his own. Striker Amine Gouiri picked up a shoulder injury during the Lorient match and remains uncertain for the trip to the Bernabéu. The French forward’s availability will be assessed closer to kickoff.

On a positive note, the squad is relatively healthy compared to their early season struggles. Midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia has returned to training and could feature in Madrid. Key players Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Angel Gomes, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are all expected to be available for selection.

Form

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been nothing short of exceptional under Xabi Alonso’s guidance. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has overseen four consecutive La Liga victories, establishing Los Blancos as the only team with a perfect record in Spain’s top flight. Their most recent triumph came in dramatic fashion at Real Sociedad, where they secured a 2-1 victory despite playing with ten men for nearly an hour.

Kylian Mbappe has been instrumental in this early success, netting four league goals and proving to be the focal point of Alonso’s attacking philosophy. The French superstar has particularly fond memories against Marseille, having scored nine goals in 13 Ligue 1 encounters during his time at PSG.

“I scored quite a few goals against Marseille in the past. It’s great to meet French teams again,” Mbappe stated ahead of the fixture.

Marseille

Marseille’s return to the Champions League comes amid a mixed start to the domestic season. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have won two and lost two of their opening four Ligue 1 matches, sitting sixth in the table. Most concerning for the Italian coach has been their away form, with OM failing to score in both of their league trips this season, suffering defeats to Rennes and Lyon.

The 4-0 victory over Lorient provided much-needed confidence, with De Zerbi declaring that “the season has started” following the comprehensive win. Mason Greenwood was particularly impressive, converting an early penalty and providing an assist in a dominant display. The former Manchester United forward has been Marseille’s standout performer, finishing as joint top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 21 goals.

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe

Marseille: Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Aguerd, Medina; Gomes, Kondogbia; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Aubameyang

How to Watch Real Madrid vs Marseille?

TNT Sports is providing live coverage in the UK.

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