De Zerbi Slams ‘Shameful’ Penalty as Carvajal Sees Red in Real Madrid vs Marseille Thriller
Carvajal Sent Off as Real Madrid Edge Past Marseille
Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the night was far from straightforward. Los Blancos had to overcome an early injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, a controversial red card to captain Dani Carvajal, and a spirited Marseille side before Kylian Mbappé’s second penalty of the evening sealed all three points.
The clash had everything – goals, drama, controversy – and left Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi fuming at the match officials, calling the late penalty awarded to Madrid “shameful.”
Carvajal’s Red Card Changes the Game
Madrid’s night got off to a rough start when Alexander-Arnold limped off after just five minutes, forcing Xabi Alonso to bring on Dani Carvajal earlier than expected. The captain, who has only recently returned from a serious ACL injury, found himself at the centre of the game’s biggest talking point.
Midway through the second half, with the score locked at 1-1, tempers flared in the Marseille box. Carvajal and Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli squared up after a challenge, and VAR quickly intervened. The footage showed Carvajal making contact with his head — enough for the referee to brandish a straight red card.
While some believed the decision was fair, many argued that the incident looked more like a moment of frustration than violent conduct. Even De Zerbi, despite being on the receiving end of Madrid’s numerical disadvantage, admitted after the match that the punishment was harsh: “For me, it wasn’t a red. I think it was an emotional reaction, not something to send him off for. But that’s not what cost us the game.”
Mbappé the Difference Maker Once Again
Even with 10 men, Madrid kept pushing forward, and in the 81st minute, fortune smiled on them. A cross into the box struck Facundo Medina’s arm as he slid to block the ball, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. The decision sent De Zerbi into a frenzy on the touchline.
“This penalty is shameful,” the Marseille boss said post-match. “If this is how they want to interpret the rules, then football is going in the wrong direction. We worked so hard, we were the better side for long periods, and then we lose like this. It’s difficult to accept.”
Mbappé, unfazed by the drama around him, coolly converted from 12 yards for the second time on the night. His first penalty had drawn Madrid level in the 28th minute after Tim Weah gave Marseille a surprise lead. The French superstar now has four goals in four games this season and continues to be Madrid’s talisman in big moments.
Selection Headache Looming for Alonso
While Madrid will celebrate the three points, Xabi Alonso now faces a tricky selection puzzle ahead of their next European fixture against Kairat Almaty on September 30. Carvajal’s red card means he will be suspended, and with Alexander-Arnold nursing what looked like a muscle injury, Madrid may be forced to improvise.
Federico Valverde could be asked to fill in at right-back, a role he has occasionally performed in the past. Alternatively, youngster Vinícius Tobías may be handed a rare start, though that would represent a gamble on such a big stage.
Alonso admitted after the match that his team must be more disciplined: “We put ourselves under pressure with the red card. We can’t afford to lose players like Dani in this way, especially with so many matches coming up. But I am proud of the fight the team showed with 10 men.”
Marseille Left Frustrated
For Marseille, the loss will feel like a missed opportunity. Playing against 10 men for nearly 20 minutes, they created chances but lacked the clinical edge to take control. De Zerbi’s men will need to bounce back quickly as they face Ajax next in what is already shaping up to be a crucial clash in Group C.
“We have to react,” De Zerbi said. “If we play like we did for most of this match, we will win games. But in the Champions League, details decide everything. Tonight, the details went against us.”
Madrid’s Road Ahead
Despite the drama, Madrid find themselves in a good position early in the group stage, sitting on three points. Mbappé’s form is a huge positive for Alonso’s side, especially with injuries beginning to pile up. The Frenchman’s composure and leadership have quickly made him the focal point of Madrid’s attack, and his hunger to finally lift the Champions League trophy is driving the team forward.
Up next for Los Blancos is a La Liga clash against Espanyol at the weekend before turning their attention back to Europe. Alonso will be hoping for a calmer evening — and fewer controversial decisions — next time around.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid vs Marseille had everything fans expect from a Champions League night at the Bernabéu: goals, drama, red cards, and controversy. While the headlines will focus on Carvajal’s dismissal and De Zerbi’s post-match fury, this game ultimately highlighted just how decisive Mbappé has become for Madrid.
For Marseille, there is frustration but also belief. They went toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s giants and nearly came away with a point. For Madrid, the win is a reminder that even in adversity, they find a way — a trait that has defined them for decades in this competition.
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