The Champions League is finally back, and Real Madrid kick off their European adventure against Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. It’s a clash between history and hunger: Madrid, the kings of Europe, against Marseille, the proud French side desperate to make their mark again.
This isn’t just another group game. For Madridistas, it’s the first step in chasing that Sixteen title. For Marseille, it’s a chance to prove they belong at the table with Europe’s elite.
Real Madrid vs Marseille: Kick-Off Time & How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Kick-off time:
9:00 PM local (Spain/Europe)
8:00 PM UK
3:00 PM EST (USA)
12:30 AM IST (India, 17 September)
TV & Live Stream:
India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app
UK: TNT Sports, discovery+
USA: Paramount+
Real Madrid Form – Hungry for Europe Again
Madrid have started La Liga with intensity and confidence. New coach Xabi Alonso has added tactical discipline while keeping the attacking flair alive. Kylian Mbappé looks like he’s been in white for years, Vinícius Júnior is causing nightmares for defenders, and Jude Bellingham has returned from injury ready to dominate again.
Image – Real Madrid CF (Official)
Last season’s Champions League exit to Arsenal hurt. This opener feels like the perfect opportunity to make a statement: Real Madrid are back, and they want the trophy.
Marseille’s Challenge – Underdogs With Fire
Olympique de Marseille come into this one as underdogs, but that might just suit them. Ligue 1 form has been mixed, but the team carries a punch in attack. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is always a threat, while Mason Greenwood and Amine B.Nadir offer creative sparks.
Image – Villarreal CF(Official)
Their main worry? The defense. Containing Mbappé and Vinícius at the Bernabéu is a nightmare scenario. Marseille will need discipline, energy, and maybe a touch of luck to leave Spain with points.
Head-to-Head Record
Real Madrid and Marseille have met four times before in the Champions League.
Madrid won all four encounters, scoring 11 goals and conceding just 2.
The last meeting was in 2009, when Madrid won 3-0 away in France.
Marseille have history against them, but in football, history is there to be challenged.
Key Battles to Watch
Kylian Mbappé vs Marseille’s Defence – The Frenchman knows Ligue 1 defenders well, and Marseille have struggled against him in the past.
Vinícius Júnior vs Murillo – A 1v1 battle on the flank that could decide how much freedom Madrid get in attack.
Midfield Duel – Madrid’s Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham against Kondogbia and A.Gomes Whoever controls the tempo here controls the game.
Key Players to watch
Real Madrid:
Dean Huijsen – Calm, composed, one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the world right now
Arda Guler – Guler is having the form of his life with the ability of accurate passing and long ball master
Marseille:
Mason Greenwood – Exceptional dribbling skills, finishing with both feet, Pace, and strong footballing IQ
Emerick Aubameyang- Still knows how to score goals
Real Madrid vs Olympique de Marseille (Predicted Lineups)
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | T. Courtois |
| RB | Alexander-Arnold |
| CB | É. Militão |
| CB | D. Huijsen |
| LB | A. Carreras |
| CM | A. Tchouaméni |
| CM | F. Valverde |
| RW | B. Díaz |
| CAM | A. Güler |
| LW | Vinícius Jr. |
| ST | K. Mbappé |
Olympique de Marseille (4-2-3-1)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | G. Rulli |
| RB | Emerson |
| CB | N. Aguerd |
| CB | B. Pavard |
| LB | A. Murillo |
| CM | G. Kondogbia |
| CM | A. Gomes |
| RW | T. Weah |
| CAM | B. Nadir |
| LW | M. Greenwood |
| ST | P. Aubameyang |
Tactical Preview
Real Madrid will dominate the ball, using Mbappé and Vinícius to stretch Marseille’s defense wide. Expect quick switches of play, overlapping full-backs, and midfield runners like Bellingham arriving late in the box.
Marseille’s best hope lies in compact defending and fast counters. Aubameyang still knows how to score goals, and Greenwood’s creativity could carve a chance if Madrid leave gaps.
Real Madrid vs Marseille: Prediction
It’s hard to look past Madrid at home in Europe. Marseille have weapons, but Madrid’s firepower should be too much.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Marseille
Mbappé to mark his first UCL night in white with a goal.
Vinícius to shine with his dribbling and Assits.
Marseille to sneak one back on the counter, but Madrid to control the evening.
Final Word
Champions League nights at the Bernabéu always feel magical. Real Madrid supporters expect nothing less than another deep run, while Marseille arrive with pride and ambition. This is why we love the competition: the history, the drama, the chance for underdogs to shock, and the opportunity for superstars to shine.One thing is certain: when that anthem plays, and 80,000 voices roar at the Bernabéu, football feels alive again.
Featured Image – DAZN
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