Real Madrid vs Olympique Marseille

The Spanish giants have met the French club four times previously in European competition, winning every encounter. Another victory here would make Marseille the opponent Madrid have beaten most often in the competition while keeping a 100 percent record, surpassing their perfect runs against APOEL Nicosia and Zürich. The setting could hardly be tougher. Madrid are beginning their European campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu for the 27th time. Their record in such matches is formidable, with 23 wins and two draws from the previous 26. The only blemish came in the 2020-21 season, when Shakhtar Donetsk claimed a surprise 3-2 victory. Otherwise, Madrid have been near untouchable when launching their European campaign on home soil. There is also the history of the head-to-head opener between these sides to consider. The two clubs clashed in their first group game back in September 2003. On that night, Didier Drogba briefly stunned the Bernabéu by firing Marseille into the lead, only for Madrid to respond with four goals in an eventual 4-2 victory. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Kylian Mbappe in attack is expected against the French outfit. Mbappe, who has 4 goals in four appearances in La Liga this season, will be keen to get his name on the scoresheet. Add one assist to the tally, and the Frenchman has a 63% contribution to Madrid’s tally of 8 goals in the domestic league.

Marseille have lost all four of their previous meetings with Los Blancos, and only against Porto (five defeats) have they endured a worse record in Europe. More significantly, Madrid are the side Marseille have faced most often in the competition without taking a single point. That adds weight to the challenge awaiting them in the Spanish capital. The statistics for French teams travelling to Madrid underline that point even further. In 15 previous visits to the Spanish capital in the European Cup or Champions League, no French side has ever won. Eleven defeats and four draws tell the story, while the concession of 42 goals – an average of 2.8 per game—highlights how difficult it has been to keep Madrid quiet. For Marseille, the task will be as much about defiance and resilience as it will be about ambition, as they look to avoid becoming yet another French side swept aside at the Bernabéu. A 4—2—3—1 with Amine Gouiri in attack may be seen.