- Mbappe’s double from the spot fired Real Madrid past Marseille, but the victory at the Bernabeu was overshadowed by heated penalty drama
- The win also pushed Madrid into the history books, with Los Blancos setting a new all-time competition record
- Furious Marseille figures and fans blasted the referee’s decision, with accusations of favourable treatment
Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the win was clouded by controversy surrounding a second-half penalty decision.
Kylian Mbappe proved decisive once again, converting two penalties to secure all three points for the 15-time European champions.
Source: Getty Images
According to Flashscore, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s first strike came in the opening half after Geoffrey Kondogbia fouled Rodrygo Goes inside the box, with the Frenchman calmly slotting home to give Madrid the advantage.
After the break, Kylian Mbappe doubled his tally following a handball by Facundo Medina, which was flagged by the referee. Although Marseille pulled one back later, Madrid held on for a narrow win.
Real Madrid’s historic UCL penalty record
Beyond the result, Mbappe’s second spot-kick etched Real Madrid into Champions League history.
Spanish statistician MisterChip (Alexis María Martín-Tamayo Blázquez) revealed on X that the Blancos have now been awarded 63 penalties in the competition, the most by any club.
This milestone saw Madrid leapfrog Bayern Munich, who sit second with 62 awarded penalties, while Barcelona remain third with 56.
Despite Madrid’s celebrations, Marseille’s camp reacted furiously to the referee’s handling of the second penalty, as cited by Yahoo Sports.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi described the decision as “a bit embarrassing,” insisting he would have said the same if his team had benefitted.
Source: Getty Images
Club director Medhi Benatia echoed those sentiments, recalling a similar situation he faced with Juventus in 2018 at the same stadium.
“It’s a very difficult penalty to accept,” he admitted, suggesting Real Madrid continue to receive favourable calls in Europe.
While the Bernabeu faithful hailed Mbappe’s match-winning brace, the lingering debate over Madrid’s penalty record and refereeing decisions ensured the result was far from straightforward.
Marseille fans’ reaction to Real Madrid defeat
Meanwhile, on social media, many Marseille supporters voiced their frustration over the defeat to Xabi Alonso’s side, sharing harsh reactions and critical comments, some of which are highlighted below.
@DeadStar said:
”Anyone else notice how Penalty Madrid get given penalties at crucial moments to fulfill the status quo? The lie that this club are somehow royalty. That they’re somehow better than everyone else. It’s all fake. They can’t compete at the highest level without cheating.”
@Drejer commented:
”2nd penalty an absolute joke…. but we had our chances!”
@Outherhendrex reacted:
”You guys need to sue the Ref for that second penalty, it was rigged to favor Vadrid.. smh.”
Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid No. 10 jersey
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Kylian Mbappe, who proved decisive in the clash against Marseille, also ranked among the top ten legendary players to ever don the iconic No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid.
The Frenchman inherited the famous No. 10 jersey for Los Blancos this season after Luka Modrić left the Santiago Bernabéu for AC Milan.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
