Real Madrid vs Marseille | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Match Preview

Real Madrid begin their Champions League journey at home against Olympique de Marseille in what is set to be a thrilling encounter. Real Madrid vs Marseille will kick off on 16 September 2025 at 21:00 CEST in Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid. Under the management of Xabi Alonso, the team aims to secure a strong start in a challenging group that includes Juventus, Manchester City, and Monaco.

Marseille, coached by Roberto De Zerbi, arrive having secured second place in Ligue 1 last season and are eager to make an impact in Europe after a few seasons’ absence from the competition.

The Real Madrid and Marseille UCL is scheduled for Matchday 1 of the Champions League 2025-26 group stage. This is the opening group stage fixture for both teams in the competition this season.

Real Madrid vs Marseille UEFA Champions League, team news, H2H, lineups, and Prediction

Real Madrid begin their 2025-26 Champions League campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu against a determined Olympique de Marseille side.

Managed by Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos boast a star-studded squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, aiming to reclaim European glory. Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, return to the Champions League eager to make an impact with key players like Amine Gouiri and Facundo Medina.

Real Madrid’s storied dominance, combined with Marseille’s determination sets the stage for an electrifying European football showdown.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 21:00 CEST (19:00 UTC)
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025-26 (Group Stage Matchday 1)

Match Overview

Real Madrid’s squad boasts big stars, including Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and talented forwards like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Endrick. Xabi Alonso’s side aims to reclaim European glory after last year’s quarterfinal exit.

Marseille’s key players include Amine Gouiri, who impressed with 10 goals in 14 Ligue 1 matches after his January 2025 signing, and Facundo Medina, the versatile Argentine defender adding strength at the back. The team plays an aggressive style under De Zerbi, aiming to make a statement on their return to the Champions League.

Real Madrid form (all competitions): W W W W
Marseille form (all competitions): L W L W

Real Madrid vs Marseille Head to Head

Real Madrid and Marseille have met four times in European competition previously, with Real winning every encounter, underscoring their dominance over the French outfit. Marseille will seek to break this trend and gain an important away result in Madrid.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Predicted Lineups

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - Real Madrid, Spain

Real Madrid Prediction XI:

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

Marseille Prediction XI:

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

Key Players to Watch

Real Madrid:

Thibaut Courtois (GK): World-class shot-stopper essential for clean sheets.
Jude Bellingham (CM): Young midfield maestro driving the engine room.
Vinicius Jr. (LW): Dynamic winger with pace and creativity.
Kylian Mbappé (FW): Goal-scoring machine and constant threat to defenses. He is one of the best players in Soccer.

Marseille:

Amine Gouiri (FW): Key goal scorer and creative spark.
Facundo Medina (CB): Defensive linchpin with versatility.
Nayef Aguerd (CB): Strong presence at the back.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Match Prediction

Real Madrid, playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu and boasting a superstar squad, start as clear favorites. Their experience and firepower are expected to overpower Marseille, though the French side’s disciplined approach suggests it could be competitive in parts.