In the 79th minute, Marseille defender Facundo Medina blocked Vinicius' shot inside the box, the ball rebounding onto his hand. Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto immediately awarded a penalty to Real Madrid. Dutch VAR official Dennis Higler did not intervene. This allowed Mbappe to score the decisive penalty, securing a 2-1 victory for a short-handed Real Madrid.

Mbappe during Real Madrid's victory over Marseille at the Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain, in their opening Champions League match on 16/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

Mbappe during Real Madrid's victory over Marseille at the Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain, in their opening Champions League match on 16/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

After the match, Mbappe admitted even players struggle with the rule's application. "The handball issue is very complex," he told Movistar+. "Sometimes they say any handball in the penalty area is a penalty, but then there are situations where it's not called. I think this situation was a penalty, but I understand why many disagree. Everyone finds this rule difficult to grasp."

Mbappe also sparked Real Madrid's comeback with a penalty in the 29th minute, seven minutes after Timothy Weah opened the scoring for the visitors. Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute after defender Dani Carvajal received a red card. However, the second, controversial penalty ensured Real Madrid secured all three points at the Bernabeu.

Mbappe also reached the 50-goal milestone for Real Madrid in 64 matches. This achievement is still short of Cristiano Ronaldo's 51 goals in 54 matches in 2010. Nevertheless, the French forward is in excellent form. "I don't set limits for myself. I want to score as many goals as possible, but I'm also ready to assist, apply pressure, create chances, or do whatever the team needs," Mbappe added.

The 26-year-old star earned the "Man of the Match" award. However, he's unconcerned about becoming Real Madrid's leader. "I just want to be myself and help my teammates perform their best. There are younger players in the team, and I want to support them in winning titles. We are confident of winning every game," Mbappe stated.

Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid employ an intense pressing style. Mbappe appears leaner than in his first season at the Bernabeu and actively participates in defensive duties. The French captain is also aiming for his first Champions League title.

Real Madrid's next match is away against Kairat in Kazakhstan on 30/9. This will be followed by two challenging fixtures against Juventus at the Bernabeu and Liverpool at Anfield.

Hoang An (Mundo Deportivo)