In a dramatic UEFA Champions League opener on September 16, 2025, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. While Kylian Mbappé’s two penalty goals proved decisive, the match was overshadowed by a controversial handball decision that has ignited debates among fans and pundits.
Match Overview
Marseille took an early lead in the 22nd minute through Timothy Weah, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Arda Güler. Real Madrid responded before halftime when Rodrygo was fouled inside the box by Geoffrey Kondogbia, earning a penalty which Mbappé calmly converted in the 28th minute to level the score.
The match-defining moment came in the 81st minute. Vinícius Júnior’s shot deflected off Marseille’s Facundo Medina and struck his outstretched arm. After a VAR review, referee François Letexier awarded a penalty to Real Madrid, sparking controversy over the interpretation of handball rules. Mbappé converted the spot-kick, sealing the 2-1 victory.
The Controversial Handball
In the 81st minute, with Marseille on the ascendancy, Vinícius Júnior drove into the box. Facundo Medina slid in to tackle, the ball striking his arm as he fell. Turpin pointed to the spot after VAR review, and Mbappé buried his second penalty for a 2-1 lead.
But was it justified? The call has divided opinions. Medina’s arm was close to his body, moving downward naturally with his slide—many argue it wasn’t deliberate or unnatural, per IFAB handball rules. Marseille players and De Zerbi protested vehemently, calling it “harsh” and a “gift” to 10-man Madrid.
Madrid, naturally, saw it differently. Alonso praised his team’s resilience post-red card, and Mbappé’s brace (his fifth goal in five games) masked the unease. Yet, social media exploded with #PenaltyRobbery trending, as Marseille fans pointed to the ignored Militão incident earlier.
