On Tuesday, September 16, Real Madrid will host French team Marseille in the first match of the Champions League. Below is a look at both teams and a match prediction.
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Match Preview
Real Madrid has had a strong start this season. After an active transfer window and bringing in a new head coach, they began their league campaign with four straight wins: 1-0 against Osasuna, 3-0 over Oviedo, 2-1 against Mallorca, and a 2-1 victory against Sociedad. Currently, they are the only La Liga team with a perfect record after four matches.
As always in the Champions League, Real Madrid will aim to prove their status as favorites. After being eliminated by Arsenal last year, they are eager to bounce back and show their strength in front of their supporters.
On the other hand, Marseille has had a mixed start, securing two big wins (5-2 against Paris and 4-0 over Lorient) but also suffering two close losses, both 0-1 to Lyon and Rennes where they struggled to score.
This will be Marseille’s first appearance in the group stage since the 2022/23 season, after a three-year gap. Previously, they finished last in their group with Sporting, Eintracht, and Tottenham, earning just six points from six matches. This season will be a key test to see how much the French team has improved and if they can compete with Europe’s best.
Probable Lineups
Real: Courtois, Carvajal, Militão, Heisen, Carreras, Tchouaméni, Ceballos, Díaz, Güler, Vinícius, Mbappé
Marseille: De Lange, Murillo, Pavard, Aguerd, Medina, Gómez, Kondogbia, Greenwood, Nadir, Weah, Gouiri
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- The last meeting between these teams was in 2009, where Real won both encounters: 3-1 and 3-0.
- Real has won nine of their last ten matches.
- Marseille has conceded goals in nine of their last ten games.
Prediction
In this Champions League opening match, both teams are likely to give it their all. While both sides can score, they also have shown weaknesses in defense. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.7 odds.