Real Madrid launch their quest for a record-extending 16th UEFA Champions League crown on Tuesday when they welcome Olympique de Marseille to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Head coach Xabi Alonso played down suggestions that Kylian Mbappe is under pressure to finally secure the European trophy, stressing the Frenchman’s importance as a leader within the squad.
“Kylian is part of the journey, but I don’t see him as impatient,” Alonso told reporters on Monday.
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“We talked today about what the Champions League means, not about May when PSG won it. This is a project that’s just beginning, and of course, one of the objectives is to win the Champions League sooner rather than later.”
Mbappe, 26, joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and has already netted four goals in four LaLiga appearances this season.
Despite his decorated career, including the 2018 World Cup title and 2022 World Cup final appearance with France, he is still chasing his first Champions League triumph.
Alonso underlined Mbappe’s influence beyond goals: “Without a doubt, he’s one of the leaders. His personality and experience set him apart, and when that group comes together, you know who to follow. Kylian loves to understand the game; he brings that quality, but we also need the collective strength of Vinícius, Rodrygo, and the whole squad.”
Madrid are boosted by the return of midfielder Jude Bellingham, named in the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him during their perfect start in LaLiga.
Visitors Marseille arrive with mixed Ligue 1 form, two wins and two defeats, strong at home but struggling on the road. They have scored nine goals in four matches but conceded four.
Real will be wary of repeating last season’s early slip-ups in the new league-phase format, when defeats, including a 1-0 loss away to Lille, left the holders outside the top eight and forced them into the playoffs to reach the knockout rounds.
