Date: 16/09/25
Kick-off time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

The Champions League is back, and Madrid get their first taste of the new league phase with a home tie against Marseille. It’s a fresh start for Los Blancos under Xabi Alonso, who steps into Carlo Ancelotti’s shoes. Marseille arrive under Roberto De Zerbi, looking sharp after finishing runners-up in Ligue 1.

So, who lays down a marker on matchday one? Let’s take a look.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Team News

Madrid are without Éder Militão, who’s still recovering from that long-term ACL injury. Arda Güler is also working his way back to full fitness. The good news? Kylian Mbappé looks unstoppable. He’s already bagged four goals in his first three La Liga outings. Vinícius Jr is fit too, which means Alonso can unleash his dream front line.

Midfield will be stacked. Expect Jude Bellingham to slot in behind the attackers, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga giving balance. Alonso might even lean on his trusted Toni Kroos for control.

For Marseille, Benjamin Pavard is fit after shaking off a minor knock, but Mason Greenwood missed training earlier this week with illness — late call expected. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starts up top, while Jordan Veretout anchors the midfield. De Zerbi’s style demands energy, so don’t be surprised if Neal Maupay and Jonathan Clauss both get plenty of minutes.

Likely Lineups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.

Marseille: Lopez; Clauss, Gigot, Pavard, Lodi; Rongier, Veretout; Greenwood, Ounahi, Harit; Aubameyang.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Betting Tips

This game has Madrid written all over it. They’ve got Mbappé firing, Vinícius buzzing, and Bellingham pulling strings. Marseille can be dangerous, but the Bernabéu is a brutal place to start your campaign.

Betting angles worth looking at:

• Real Madrid to win & over 2.5 goals – Madrid love goals on these big nights.
• Mbappé anytime scorer – form too good to ignore.
• Both teams to score – no – Marseille may struggle to break down Madrid’s defense.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Match Prediction

Madrid will dominate possession, play high up the pitch, and create loads. Marseille will have flashes on the counter, especially if Aubameyang finds space, but keeping Madrid out for 90 minutes feels impossible.

Match Prediction: Real Madrid to win. Bet with bet365.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Correct Score Tips & Prediction

I’m leaning towards a 2-0 Madrid win. Solid at the back, ruthless up top, and Mbappé likely to steal the show.

Correct Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Marseille. Bet with bet365.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

The stats point to goals in Madrid games, especially at home. They scored 14 across their last five home matches in La Liga. Marseille have also scored in 8 of their last 10 Ligue 1 outings. Over 2.5 feels safe, but if you fancy a bigger price, over 3.5 is worth a punt.

Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Real Madrid vs Marseille Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a combo I like for Tuesday night:

• Real Madrid to win
• Mbappé anytime scorer
• Over 2.5 goals

That’s your Champions League night special.

Bet Builder Tip: Real Madrid to Win, Mbappé Anytime, Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 11 Champions League group openers.
• Kylian Mbappé scored 44 goals in all competitions last season.
• Marseille have lost their last 4 away matches in the Champions League.
• Santiago Bernabéu capacity: 83,186 – fully packed for this one.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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