Mbappe under spotlight for the Champions League. Image: AFP.
(The Post News)– Kylian Mbappé, 26, joined Real Madrid last year after a long-anticipated transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. He has already established himself as one of the top forwards in world football, having helped France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the final again in 2022. Despite collecting seven Ligue 1 titles and numerous individual awards, the Champions League trophy has so far eluded him.
Real Madrid Launches Champions League Campaign
Real Madrid begin their quest for a record-extending 16th European Cup on Tuesday when they host Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. Coach Xabi Alonso stressed that star forward Kylian Mbappé is not in a rush to win the title and has already emerged as one of the team’s key leaders.
While Mbappé’s former club PSG finally lifted their first-ever European Cup last season, Real Madrid fell short of defending their title. Arsenal knocked them out in the quarterfinals, ending their campaign earlier than expected.
Still, Alonso made it clear that Mbappé is focused on the present and committed to the team’s long-term goals. “Kylian is part of the journey, but I don’t see any impatience in him,” Alonso told reporters on Monday. “Today we talked about the importance of the Champions League, not about last May when PSG won, but about today. This is a new chapter. One of our main objectives is to win the Champions League again, sooner rather than later.”
When asked if Mbappé is already considered a leader within the squad, Alonso had no doubts. “Absolutely. Because of his personality and experience, he’s a natural leader,” he said. “When you look at this group, you can see who stands out. Kylian is one of them. He loves to understand the game deeply, and he combines that knowledge with world-class individual ability.” However, Alonso emphasized that success would require more than just Mbappé’s brilliance. “It’s not just about Kylian, or Vinícius Jr., or Rodrygo. We need the collective to be strong. That’s what will allow us to do something special.”
Mbappé has already made a strong start to the season, scoring four goals in four LaLiga matches. His sharp form has been a key factor in Real’s unbeaten start. The team also welcomed back midfielder Jude Bellingham, who missed the opening games due to a shoulder injury. He has been included in the squad for Tuesday’s match and is expected to play a role in midfield.
Marseille come into this fixture with a mixed record in Ligue 1: two wins and two losses from their first four matches. They’ve looked strong at home but have struggled on the road, losing both away games. In total, they’ve scored nine goals and conceded four so far this season. Despite their inconsistent form, Alonso warned against underestimating the French side. Marseille has a proud history in European competitions and has built a solid team capable of causing problems for any opponent.
Real’s Aurélien Tchouaméni echoed that sentiment. “Marseille is one of the top teams in France,” said the French midfielder. “I expect a tough match. In the Champions League, every team is strong, and this will be no different. Maybe not every Spanish fan knows them well, but they are one of the most followed clubs in France.”
Real Madrid experienced difficulties in the group stage last season, including a 1–0 defeat to Lille in their second match. Three losses in the league phase pushed them outside the top eight, forcing the reigning champions into a playoff to reach the knockout rounds.
This season, the Spanish giants aim to avoid a similar fate. With Mbappé now in their ranks and a strong squad around him, Madrid are determined to start their Champions League campaign on a high note and move one step closer to European title number sixteen.
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