Real Madrid bagged a 2-1 win against Olympique de Marseille in their first match of the 2025/26 Champions League on September 16, at Santiago Bernabeu.
Even though it ended in success for Los Blancos with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace by converting the two penalties awarded to them, the match saw much turmoil for the home side.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was forced to make a substitution in the fifth minute of the clash as Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained an early injury and had to be replaced by Dani Carvajal on the pitch.
Los Blancos were left with 10 men on the pitch after Carvajal received a direct red card in the 72nd minute following an heated exchange with Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, whom the Spaniard was seen headbutting.
While speaking after the match, Alonso addressed the events of the game, candidly admitting that 'things got complicated' with Carvajal's 'sending-off.'
What did Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso say?
In his post-match press conference, Alonso reflected on his squad's performance and said,
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"A lot happened in the match. The first half-hour was very good, with many chances. We could have taken the lead, but we conceded. Then everything became level. We were pushing until things got complicated with Carva's sending-off," as per Madrid Universal.
"And the team showed their self-respect, their Champions League spirit. We didn't back down; we wanted to win. And that spirit allowed us to defend with 10 men and hardly have any trouble. We were winning every time. And Marseille is playing well. We had recovered a lot in the opponent's half. It was a very good match, even after the draw. And after the sending-off, everything went crazy.”
The Spanish manager also referred to Carvajal's 'expulsion' as 'avoidable,' and added,
"The expulsion was avoidable, it's a shame. We'll have to talk about it. And the other thing, what the referee called."
Carvajal's red card has a long-term effect on Real Madrid's race in the Champions League, as the La Liga giants have now lost both of their right-backs, with the 33-year-old facing suspension and Alexander-Arnold being sidelined due to injury.
The Real Madrid captain will surely miss their next Champions League game against Kazakhstan Premier League club Kairat on September 30, with the possibility of serving a total of three-match suspension or more as per UEFA's Disciplinary Code.
If he is handed a three-match ban, Carvajal will not return to Champions League action for about two months.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be preparing to host Espanyol at Santiago Bernabeu in their next La Liga match on Saturday, September 20.
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