Real Madrid endured a nightmare start in their Champions League opener against Olympique de Marseille, as their star signing Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off injured just three minutes into the match. The English full-back, making his European debut for Los Blancos, raised alarms at the Santiago Bernabéu, leaving doubts about his fitness at a crucial point of the season.

The dream debut that turned into a nightmare

The incident occurred after what seemed like a harmless play. Thibaut Courtois played a ball out wide to Alexander-Arnold, but as he tried to control it and change direction, the defender felt a sharp pull in his right leg. Moments later, he was replaced by Dani Carvajal, who came on as an emergency substitute to cover the flank.

Alexander-Arnold’s injury is an unexpected blow for Xabi Alonso’s side, who had identified the Englishman as a key component of his tactical setup for the Champions League. The club’s medical staff has yet to confirm the extent of the issue, but the images were concerning for both fans and coaching staff alike.

A tense atmosphere at the Bernabéu

The clash against Marseille was not only eventful on the pitch. Hours before kick-off, the area around the Santiago Bernabéu saw violent incidents involving groups of visiting fans. The Spanish National Police intervened with charges against troublemakers attempting to cause disturbances on their way to the stadium.

The security operation, made up of more than 1,800 officers, reinforced checks at the entrances, subjecting the 3,800 away fans to strict measures such as full-body searches, shoe inspections, and banning items deemed risky. Among the restrictions was the confiscation of Palestinian flags, sparking protests from some Marseille supporters, who responded with chants in support of the cause.

Xabi Alonso’s lineup surprises

Xabi Alonso’s Champions League debut as Real Madrid coach also came with some surprises in the starting XI. Vinícius Júnior began on the bench, with his place taken by Rodrygo Goes, while Fede Valverde and youngster Franco Mastantuono were handed starts ahead of Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz.

For their part, Olympique de Marseille fielded a strong lineup with Emiliano Martínez Rulli in goal, alongside big names such as Benjamin Pavard, Højbjerg, Mason Greenwood, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack.

The match, tense both on and off the pitch, will be remembered for Alexander-Arnold’s unexpected injury — a setback that could have major implications for Real Madrid’s European campaign.