De Zerbi blasts ‘shameful’ penalty decision benefitting Real Madrid

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi feels his players should have been more courageous in a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid, although the second penalty kick awarded to the Merengues was ‘shameful.’

Italian coach De Zerbi did not hide his disappointment after a 2-1 loss in the Champions League against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

His team took the lead at minute 22 thanks to a goal from ex-Juventus star Timothy Weah, but a brace from Kylian Mbappé from the spot gave all three points to the Merengues.

De Zerbi reacts to Marseille’s loss vs. Real Madrid

Roberto De Zerbi (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

It’s safe to say that De Zerbi feels Real Madrid didn’t deserve the second penalty kick, awarded at minute 80.

“Incredible, never, never [a penalty],” the Italian told CBS Sports.

“I think you know better than I. When the game is on, they create so much noise. It’s incredible. I don’t want to create controversy, but it’s never a penalty.”

“Incredible…it’s never a penalty.” 🗣️ Roberto De Zerbi weighs in after Marseille’s defeat to Real Madrid and the penalty that sealed it 👀 pic.twitter.com/7aFlQpbIIe — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 16, 2025

“I’m upset because we could have gotten a full result, even a win. My team has many players, new ones too. I know it’s not easy to find the proper connection between the players and the playing style, but I believe we could have done something more,” he added at a press conference, speaking in Italian (via Gazzetta).

De Zerbi: ‘shameful’ penalty awarded to Real Madrid

BRADFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 3: Roberto De Zerbi manager of Olympique Marseille during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Olympique Marseille at University of Bradford Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

“I said it to the players, too. Not to criticise them. I love my players and will always defend them. For the quality they have, I think we were too shy and fearful when we entered the pitch. Then we played better afterwards. I’m sorry that we didn’t try to win the game after Carvajal’s red card.

“It’s just the beginning of September, the season will last until May, and if we want to go the extra mile, that was the moment to take some risks. Perhaps we would lose anyway, but I was a bit upset. That being said, I’m proud of my players because they left everything on the pitch. We put in many new players.

“To me, the penalty kick is shameful. The second penalty kick was non-existent. I’m sorry about it. I would have said it even if it went in my favour.”

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