For the first matchday of the Champions League, Olympique de Marseille will face Real Madrid on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu without their striker Amine Gouiri. The former OGC Nice forward, often decisive for OM this season, remains sidelined due to an injury sustained during recent training sessions.
This absence poses a real challenge for coach Roberto De Zerbi, who must adapt his offensive setup to compensate for the loss of his striker. Gouiri, known for his goal-scoring instinct and influence on the pitch, is a major offensive asset, and his unavailability deprives OM of a valuable option against an experienced and talented Madrid squad.
Facing a Real Madrid led by a red-hot Kylian Mbappé, Marseille will rely on other attacking players like Aubameyang, Greenwood, and Gomes to fill the gap left by Gouiri. The challenge is significant in this highly competitive context, where every chance matters.
OM will also have to strengthen its collective solidarity and defensive organization to withstand the experience and power of Real Madrid. This European clash remains a major opportunity for Marseille to prove their worth on the continental stage, despite the absence of their striker.