The Champions League nights are back at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Real Madrid have announced their starting XI to face Olympique Marseille on Tuesday evening.
Real Madrid Starting XI
Courtois; Trent, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler; Rodrygo, Mastantuono, Mbappé
It’s a bold setup from Carlo Ancelotti, who has opted to give 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono his Champions League debut. The Argentine teenager will feature in the front three alongside Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé. With Vinícius Júnior starting on the bench, Rodrygo shifts out to his favored left-wing role.
New signing Arda Güler also gets the nod in midfield, partnering Aurelien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde. At the back, Jorrel Hato Huijsen continues to show the trust Ancelotti has in him, slotting in next to Éder Militão.
Marseille Starting XI (TBC)
Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Gomes, Højbjerg, Kondogbia; Aubameyang, Greenwood
Marseille arrive with a squad brimming with experience and fresh attacking options. Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood is expected to start up front with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Piero Højbjerg and Geoffrey Kondogbia will look to battle Madrid’s midfield for control.
A Night for Young Talent
Much of the pre-match spotlight falls on Mastantuono. Real Madrid have been carefully managing the Argentine prodigy’s minutes in La Liga, but handing him a Champions League debut at the Bernabéu shows just how highly he is rated by the club. Güler, too, gets a major opportunity to prove himself on Europe’s biggest stage after a stop-start first year in Madrid.
How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 21:00 CEST | 15:00 EST
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
TV (Spain): Movistar Liga Campeones
Streaming (USA): Paramount+, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video
With the likes of Mbappé leading the line and young stars stepping into the spotlight, all eyes will be on how Real Madrid blend experience with youthful energy. Marseille, however, have the weapons to cause problems and won’t simply roll over in Madrid.
