Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
An excellent start to the season for Real Madrid gives them confidence ahead of the home fixture against Olympique de Marseille. After a dismal quarter-finals elimination in last season’s UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid are targeting the title, and they have all the resources to do so, further fuelled by the motivation of their stars.
Real Madrid
After four rounds of La Liga, Real Madrid have taken the maximum 12 points, without dropping any, unlike Barcelona. Yet they have lacked precision in their play: away to Real Sociedad (1:2) in San Sebastián they allowed 3.15 xGA, which points to instability in the back line. Real Madrid were left short at the back after Dean Donny Huijsen was sent off, and the young defender is likely to keep making errors; without the injured Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid simply have no alternative.
Olympique de Marseille
Domestically, Olympique de Marseille have been patchy in their early fixtures. There have been convincing wins over Paris Saint‑Germain (5:2) and FC Lorient (4:0), as well as slip-ups against Stade Rennais and Olympique Lyonnais (both 0:1). After parting ways with Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe, head coach Roberto De Zerbi remains fully confident in the squad. The partnership of Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood is on song, combining for 4 goals and 3 assists in Ligue 1. The French have depth across the pitch, yet it still does not compare to Real Madrid’s options.
Real Madrid vs Olympique de Marseille Prediction
In the 21st century, Real Madrid have delivered four consecutive defeats to Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League group stage. At the Santiago Bernabéu, they should be closer to victory, but Marseille can catch the hosts on the counter-attack, and we expect goals at both ends.
