Champions League nights are finally here again, and Real Madrid welcomes Marseille to Santiago Bernabeu. In honor of the return of the Champions League season, bold moments are surely already on the horizon, and excitement is guaranteed. Here are three bold predictions:
Prediction 1 : Jude Bellingham scores a 90+ minute winner (or assist)
Why this could happen: Bellingham is back in the squad after his shoulder issue and Real Madrid are built to go late with his box-to-box energy and late runs. If he starts or comes on as a high-impact sub, his timing and physicality make a late goal very possible — especially against a team that has to chase.
How it plays out: It’s a level game at 1–1; Madrid are working the ball around the midfield in the 90th+2; Bellingham breaks the line, reaches the second phase cross and finishes from just inside the box.
It’s a finish and timing bet–bold but covered off by his return to the squad and his part in Alonso's plans.
Prediction 2 : Marseille snatch a late set-piece equalizer or winner due to Real’s defensive absentees
Why this could happen: Real Madrid have been hit by defensive absentees this week, with Rüdiger out for an extended period. That weakens Real’s central defence depth and makes them more vulnerable to late crosses and scrambles from corners. Marseille under De Zerbi have the players and tactics to make the most of set pieces and late pressure, and De Zerbi has publicly backed his team to be brave on big nights.
How it plays out: With time running out and trailing in the final minutes Marseille wins a corner kick and sends several of their more dangerous players forward (or a late central defender on) and as Real’s patched together central defenders communicate poorly, a flick or header finds its way in the back of the net in stoppage time. Classic group-stage sucker punch, as unlikely as it is, it also comes from Real being a mess defensively in the last minutes.
Prediction 3 : A late VAR/penalty or red-card decision swings the result (referee influence)
Why this could happen: UEFA has appointed Irfan Peljto for the game, and he's an interventionist referee (high fault and card frequency in his recent games). That makes a late decisive intervention more likely , a penalty award, a penalty reversal or straight red that changes the game.
Real Madrid has also been affected by various questionable refereeing decisions recently, including a very controversial red card to Dean Huijsen against Real Sociedad, as well as public complaints over disallowed goals and penalty calls. And this has put them on edge their in regards to refereeign and might create a negative momentum for the team.
How it plays out: 88–95 minutes: either (a) a penalty is given after an on-field foul is upgraded by VAR and taken in stoppage time; (b) a late red leaves one side to defend with ten and changes the game; or c) a VAR call denies a winning goal — any of which would be big. Peljto’s recent history of card and stoppage time means this is a game-changer.
Related: Xabi Alonso just made his real thoughts on La Liga referees crystal clear