OM’s Struggles in Ligue 1, but European Redemption Possible

OM is doing badly at the moment. But Europe can give him a smile and a real objective at the end of the season. After the improvement of the arrival of Jean-Louis Gasset in place of Gennaro Gattuso in mid-February, with five consecutive successes in all competitions, the Marseillais fell back into their trap with four defeats in a row. In Marseille, there are no half measures, but that’s also what makes it so charming.

The problems of the moment began at Villarreal, where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s troops came close to being penalized, before saving themselves from a potential extension in added time thanks to Jonathan Clauss’ goal. Then there was Rennes, Paris and Lille and the return of doubts. When the opponents became tougher, this OM version 3.0 Gasset version did not respond. In attitude and actions on the ground.

Facing Benfica, very far from showing their level of last season and in “winning ugly” mode in C3, Marseille has the weapons to seek qualification for the last four of the competition where a duel against Liverpool, who plays the Premier League title, where Atalanta Bergamo can wait for it. To hope to see the last four, you will above all have to survive on the lawn of the Estádio da Luz, before planning for the future.

The figures say it, the facts confirm it: OM is changing its face far from its Vélodrome, to the point of becoming any team. After 28 days in Ligue 1, Marseille is currently the worst away team with only 10 points taken (2 wins, 4 draws, 8 defeats), one unit behind the HAC-Clermont duo (11 points). For a club of this standing, this turns into statistical improbability. In C3, good news, he did better, with two defeats at Brighton and Villarreal in five outings (1 victory, 2 draws, 2 defeats). For the rest, OM have figures which give hope for a thrilling finale.

Jean-Louis Gasset during the round of 16 second leg between Villarreal and OM in the Europa League

Credit: Getty Images

1: The Vélodrome is a temple

It’s impossible not to think of the Vélodrome factor, as a European epic takes shape. Marseille, 3rd home team in Ligue 1 (29 points, tied with PSG), only recently lost their first match of the season in their lair against Paris. In Europe, the record is just as impressive with 4 successes, for 1 draw against Brighton against whom it also led 2-0 in October 2023. Le Vel’ is all-risk insurance, on the pitch and in the stands, especially in view of the return match.

9, 140: The PEA engine, figures up to Liverpool-Leverkusen

Sportingly, Marseille has assets which make it a serious candidate for the last four, or more. The Ligue 1 resident has the second attack in the Europa League behind Liverpool (24 goals, compared to 28). At this stage of the competition, OM are level with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, a reference in the game and the offensive sector in Europe. It is also the third team to shoot the most on goal, with 140 attempts, behind Friborg (161, eliminated) and Liverpool (143). Once again, Marseille is tied with Leverkusen (140).

In terms of individual statistics, there is reason to rejoice. OM have in their ranks the top scorer in the competition, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang (9 goals), and the two best passers, Jonathan Clauss (injured and absent) and Amine Harit (6 assists). PEA is also the player who has scored the most shots (14, out of 23 attempts).

Amine Harit and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the Europa League

Credit: Getty Images

3: A history in C3 which pleads for him

What does Marseille’s European history say in C3? For 30 years, the Marseille club has reached the final of the competition three times (1999, 2004, 2018), in four attempts, after having played in the quarter-finals. Only the 2008/2009 season was an exception. Without having always been very regular there, OM likes Europe, especially when it really counts. This will be the 10th quarter-final, in all European competitions, in the club’s history.

7: No Ligue 1 this weekend

To return to Europe next season, we will have to win the Europa League. A mission even more difficult than recovering a folding seat by the championship, where things became seriously complicated.

The LFP has exempted French clubs qualified in the quarters of C1, C3 and C4 from playing next weekend. With this arrangement, and a seven-day rest, Jean-Louis Gasset’s men have everything to shine. They need it and the supporters need it. It’s a whole club that finally wants to vibrate.

The joy of OM players in the Europa League

Credit: Getty Images

2024-04-11 18:23:00
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