Real Madrid's pitch is rocked by a penalty kick from star player Kylian Mbappé, giving them the upper hand against OM in the Champions League competition.
In a tense Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid emerged victorious against Olympique Marseille with a 2-1 scoreline. The decisive factor of the match was a controversial penalty, which sparked debate among football enthusiasts and former international referees alike.
The penalty, awarded to Karim Benzema in the 79th minute, was won by Vinicius Junior after a tussle with Facundo Medina. The decision was controversial, with some, including former referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull, believing that it should not have been given. Pérez Burrull stated that the handball was a natural gesture of a player who fell, and the hand did not intentionally go to the ball.
Despite the controversy, Kylian Mbappé stepped up to convert the spot-kick, securing a brace for the French forward and the winning goal for Real Madrid. This was Mbappé's tenth time being decisive in seven matches this season, contributing eight goals and two assists.
The first penalty of the match was awarded to Real Madrid's Rodrygo in the 29th minute, after a challenge from Geoffrey Kondogbia. This time, Mbappé was the one to score, making it 1-0 for the home team.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. In the second half, Dani Carvajal was sent off, and Geronimo Rulli, the former player of Real Sociedad and Villarreal, was saved by his crossbar on a deflected shot from a French attacker. Rulli had made ten saves in the first half, with a total of 1.41 xG conceded, excluding penalties.
Real Madrid dominated the first half, registering a total of 28 shots, the most they have had in a first half of a Champions League match since Opta started analyzing the competition. However, it was only Mbappé who managed to beat Rulli in the match, from the two penalties.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Olympique Marseille, coached by Roberto De Zerbi, who criticized the fairness of the penalty awarded to Real Madrid. De Zerbi called the penalty "never a penalty" and "a disgrace" during his post-match interview.
Despite the controversy, Real Madrid will undoubtedly be pleased with the result, extending their winning streak in the Champions League. The next challenge for them will be to maintain this form and continue their pursuit of glory in Europe's premier club competition.
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