Kylian Mbappe scored twice to lead Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory over Marseille in their Champions League opener on Tuesday night.
The France captain equalised from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after United States international Timothy Weah had stunned the home crowd with a 22nd-minute opener.
Mbappe later converted another penalty in the closing stages to complete Madrid’s turnaround and bring his personal tally to 50 goals in just 64 appearances for the club.
Substitute Dani Carvajal, who came on after Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with an early injury, was sent off midway through the second half for a head-butt on goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, leaving Madrid to finish the match with 10 men.
“I feel really good. I don’t think about being one of the team’s leaders, I think about being myself, Kylian, I think about the team,” Mbappe told Movistar.
“Xabi wants us to win the ball back more quickly. We have to understand what we do, and then we’re determined to do it, because we want to win.
“I do what the boss asks me to do. He wants a high block, to win the ball high up, and then we can create chances. We’ll get used to it and it will help the team win trophies. I want to help the team, if it’s scoring goals, pressing or assists.”
The forward now has six goals already this season – four in LaLiga and two in Europe.
Manager Xabi Alonso praised Mbappe’s influence but admitted Carvajal’s dismissal was costly. “He has an incredible impact,” Alonso said.
“The team found some Champions League spirit at the Bernabeu. The sending off [of Carvajal] was avoidable, it’s a shame, we’ll have to talk about it.”
Alonso’s lineup decisions drew plenty of attention, with Rodrygo and 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono starting on the wings while Vinicius Junior remained on the bench for the second time this campaign.
“We need Vini, Rodrygo, Franco, Brahim [Diaz],” Alonso said. “If there are private conversations, they stay at Valdebebas or in the dressing room.
“There will be moments for everyone. Nobody should feel offended if they don’t play a game, the calendar is very demanding.”
Madrid continue their group-stage campaign with a trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty on September 30, followed by a home clash against Juventus on October 22.
