The people of Marseille have been waiting for this for six years. Since the cruel final of the 2018 Europa League, when Olympique de Marseille lost to Atlético de Madrid (0-3) despite a huge opportunity for Valère Germain in the 3rd minute. This Thursday evening, at around 9 p.m., OM has the opportunity to qualify for a new final. To achieve this, the Marseille club must win on the pitch of Atalanta Bergamo, after conceding a draw at the Vélodrome last Thursday (1-1).
This first leg was dominated by the Marseillais. After a contested start to the match, during which Jean-Louis Gasset’s men suffered from the power of Gianluca Scamacca, who opened the scoring in the 11th minute, the Phocéens reacted perfectly. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had several chances, but never managed to materialize. Chancel Mbemba was ultimately the savior, landing an unstoppable shot from a quickly played corner. Despite a lot of pressure in the second act, the match ended in a draw.
Kolasinac knows Atalanta will have to do better
This Thursday, however, such a performance will probably not be enough. In 2024, Atalanta Bergamo has only lost twice on home soil in eleven matches, against Bologna in Serie A and against Liverpool in the semi-final of the Europa League, while mass was said after the demonstration of Italians in the first leg (0-3). The task therefore promises to be difficult for the Marseillais, especially since the Bergamasques have revenge to take after a sad first leg.
“We will do our best,” promised Sead Kolasinac, former Marseillais who moved to the Italian side. We saw the qualities of OM in this phase but each match is different, we are prepared to do better. We weren’t that good and we’re going to try to improve on the pitch. » The Bosnian will not, however, take part in the match since he was injured at the Vélodrome.
“We are at OM for that”
Jean-Louis Gasset will be able to count on a full group this Thursday. Suspended from the first leg, captain Samuel Gigot returns to the group, as does Bamo Meïté who returns after more than a month of absence due to an ankle injury. For the rest, no surprise, the Marseille leaders were all present for this crucial confrontation.
“It’s a footballer’s dream to play matches like that, to win titles, we’re at OM for that,” Jordan Veretout underlined at a press conference this Wednesday. It’s not every day that we play a half of the European Cup. We want to have fun and please the club, and especially the supporters who have not given up on us this season. Getting them to Dublin would be huge. » Before the first leg, fans made the same call in a tifo, writing “take these colors to Dublin. ” There is no more.
