With the game tied at 1-1 following a goal from Tim Weah and a Kylian Mbappe penalty, the turning point came in the second half when Los Blancos’ captain Carvajal headbutted Marseille goalkeeper Rulli following a heated exchange in the Marseille box. VAR reviewed the incident and the referee soon issued a straight red card to the full-back.
Despite the numerical advantage, Marseille were unable to capitalise and a Madrid attack ended with the ball hitting the arm of Facundo Medina as he slid in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Kylian Mbappe stepped up to convert in the 81st minute to make it 2-1.
De Zerbi was left furious by the decision to give the handball, even referencing Madrid’s weekend controversy that saw Dean Huijsen sent off in La Liga.
He said: “It’s a shameful penalty. It’s not there. I would have said that too if it had been whistled for us. For me, it’s not a penalty, never. Not at the Bernabeu, nor at the Velodrome, nor at Real Sociedad, nowhere. And I have no ulterior motive, I don’t want to cause controversy. I’m just saying that there was no penalty. Period.”
He also reflected on Carvajal’s red card, saying: “In this kind of situation, head-to-head, I wouldn’t give a red card. It’s not violent. But it’s the rule. For Real, for us, for everyone.”
Despite losing Carvajal, who had replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold just five minutes in, French hero Kylian Mbappe once again proved decisive. The forward netted twice from the penalty spot, in the 28th and 81st minutes, to seal victory for Madrid. His composure highlighted his importance in Madrid’s quest for the Champions League, with the French star still chasing the one major title.
Madrid’s win leaves them with three points, though Carvajal’s absence could create selection headaches. Xabi Alonso may turn to Fede Valverde at right-back if Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined by the time they return to European action against Kairat Almaty on September 30. Marseille, left frustrated, will need a response in their next Champions League clash against Ajax to stay competitive.
