Real Madrid have seen themselves reduced to ten men for two games in a row, following a red card to captain Dani Carvajal. If Los Blancos were irate about the decision to send off Dean Huijsen over the weekend, they will be filing no complaints over this one.
Los Blancos saw themselves down to ten men in their Champions League opener against Olympique Marseille for the final stages. Carvajal had not started the match, but was called upon quickly to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who went down with injury after just three minutes. The veteran was cutting his usual presence on the right flank for much of the game.
Dani Carvajal loses temper for red card
However with 20 minutes remaining, Carvajal’s temper got the better of him. As Los Blancos prepared to take a corner, Carvajal was involved in a coming together with Olympique Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. The Spain international and the Argentine were unhappy with each other, but Carvajal made the mistake of lowering his head into the challenge. After a VAR review, the referee had little doubt about sending him off for a headbutt.
Agresion de Carvajal y roja clarísima.
Funeral en Movistar. pic.twitter.com/dlndqIG1kQ
— Vetta 🆇 (@Vettaverso) September 16, 2025
After replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal has been sent off.
The Real Madrid captain appeared to headbutt Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.#UCL
🎥 @footballontnt pic.twitter.com/pgHC8oJXdN
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 16, 2025
Dani Carvajal sees a straight red for a headbutt on Marseille keeper Gerónimo Rulli 🟥😰 pic.twitter.com/0woYVlK0LM
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 16, 2025
🟥 Expulsado Dani Carvajal.#UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/qcgNg0ODPZ
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 16, 2025
Kylian Mbappe gives Real Madrid lead
Los Blancos were given a chance to save the three points though, with ten minutes to go. Facundo Medina slid in to tackle Vinicius Junior in the box, and made a strong challenge, but caught the ball with his trailing arm. Given the opportunity to give Real Madrid the lead for the first time, Mbappe powered his effort home, despite Rulli getting two hands to the ball.
MBAPPE WITH HIS 50TH GOAL FOR REAL MADRID pic.twitter.com/FRrBLXlo5D
— WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) September 16, 2025
La acción del penalti por mano que transformó Mbappé para poner el 2-1.#UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/Q3PCXy2cNM
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 16, 2025
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