Real Madrid–OM: An Exploit Missed, but Marseille Stood Tall

A suffocating start, then Weah’s feat

From the very kickoff, Real imposed an infernal pace. Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Mastantuono made the Olympian defense bend, repeatedly saved by a heroic Rulli. But against all odds, it was OM who struck first: Greenwood intercepted high before releasing Weah, who scored his first goal for Marseille with an unstoppable strike (0-1, 23’).

A clinical finish that made the Bernabéu tremble… before Kondogbia conceded a needless penalty on Rodrygo. Mbappé equalized with a powerful shot (1-1, 29’). Shaken, OM still dared to push forward with Aubameyang and Weah dangerous on the counter, proving they weren’t a team that came just to suffer.

OM with a man advantage… then punished

The second half confirmed the script of a courageous OM under pressure. Rulli continued his masterclass with decisive saves. Then everything shifted: Dani Carvajal lost his temper and was sent off for a headbutt on Rulli (67’). Eleven against ten, Marseille had a real opportunity.

De Zerbi brought on his signings Vermeeren and Paixão, then Gouiri and Murillo. But instead of taking advantage of their numerical superiority, OM hesitated between pushing higher or holding back. That hesitation proved costly: on a Vinicius move, Medina was penalized for a harshly judged handball. Mbappé converted his second penalty despite a touch from Rulli (2-1, 81’). Cruel.

End of the match: regrets and pride

In the final minutes, OM pushed, with Greenwood, Gouiri, and Paixão threatening, but Courtois held firm. A last-minute corner sent a shiver through the stands, but the miracle didn’t come.

In the end, OM left the Bernabéu with a bitter defeat. But there are clear signs: Rulli imperious, Weah clinical and sharp, Greenwood decisive. Even more, an identity: that of a team that dares to play, even against Real.

The Marseille XI

Rulli – Pavard (Egan-Riley), Balerdi (c), Medina, Palmieri (Murillo) – Kondogbia (Vermeeren), Højbjerg – Greenwood, O’Riley (Paixao), Weah (Gouiri) – Aubameyang

Marseille player ratings

• Rulli (8.5): Unlucky hero, record of 10 saves in the first half, repeatedly the savior.
• Weah (7): First Olympien goal, incisive runs, valuable energy.
• Greenwood (6): Started the goal, important in recovery and transitions.
• Balerdi (5.5): Struggled at first, better later, captain courageous.
• Aubameyang (4): Too imprecise, missed the chance to score a crucial second goal.

The verdict

This defeat has a bitter taste, but it tells the story of a team that played without fear. De Zerbi lamented the lack of boldness when in numerical superiority, but this performance could act as a springboard before the clash with PSG at the Vélodrome.

OM lost, but they gained something precious: the belief that they can stand up to the very best.