There’s no doubt that one of Kylian Mbappé’s unfinished goals as a footballer is the Champions League, and this season marks the Frenchman’s second attempt to win Europe’s most coveted club trophy. This time, Real Madrid looks different under Xabi Alonso, who is set to revolutionize the club as they aim for their 16th European title.

Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso Prepare for Champions League Debut Against Olympique de Marseille

In his first season with Real Madrid, Mbappé and the team were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Arsenal. Now, they begin their European journey against Olympique de Marseille, a tough matchup that will set the tone for this league phase, which we’re seeing for the second consecutive campaign.

Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid’s European Rebuild

Xabi Alonso’s challenge is to restore Real Madrid’s dominance in Europe. Although the club has won two of the last four Champions League titles, they struggled to integrate Mbappé last season, joining a team plagued by a “full-belly syndrome,” with defensive imbalances and a lack of collective effort. Under the new manager, these shortcomings are being addressed, building a solid unit that combines defensive resilience with a devastating attack led by Mbappé, who has scored four goals in the first four matches of the season and leads Real Madrid in LaLiga EA Sports.

Champions League Goal: Start Strong Against Marseille

Xabi Alonso aims to extend the team’s solidity to the Champions League, avoiding a repeat of last season’s poor league phase. The first step is securing a spot among the top eight in the group, maximizing home-field advantage in the knockout rounds, and maintaining a competitive rhythm to face heavyweights like Manchester City, Juventus, and Monaco, while navigating tough away games in Almaty, Liverpool, Olympiacos, and Benfica.

Recovery of Key Players and Strategic Rotations

The Spanish coach welcomes back two key players: Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, though they are not yet expected to start after recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and Endrick remain in recovery. The return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fede Valverde, and Franco Mastantuono to the starting lineup is anticipated, with the possibility of including Rodrygo Goes, who is eager to shine in his favorite competition.

Olympique de Marseille, an Unpredictable Opponent

Marseille, led by Roberto De Zerbi, arrives at the Bernabéu after a commanding 4-0 victory over Lorient. The French side will feature their star signings: Benjamin Pavard, Nayet Aguerd, and Facundo Medina in defense; Amir Murillo, Timothy Weah, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg in midfield; and in attack, veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang alongside young English talent Mason Greenwood. In goal, Gerónimo Rulli will be tasked with keeping a clean sheet.

The French club has overcome recent internal issues, such as the departures of Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe, and is looking to make a statement in Europe against a Real Madrid side that has won its last four Champions League debut matches. While history favors the Spanish team, Marseille is a dynamic opponent hungry for redemption.

Real Madrid will always be one of the favorites to win this competition, but the truth is that beyond having a star like Kylian Mbappé, many factors must align to secure the trophy. It remains to be seen if this team, under Xabi Alonso, can prove capable of bringing another Orejona to the White House.