Marseille’s passion has struck again, twice. First via its supporters, who made Lotto Park in Brussels tremble to push OM to victory. Then by Igor Paixao, whose name means “passion” in Portuguese, still a scorer on the European scene. With four goals in the Champions League, the Brazilian is the top scorer for Olympique Marseille who now have nine points and are getting closer to qualifying for the play-offs.
The Phocaeans had, however, followed an ugly tradition that was now well-established. As against Newcastle (6th), Toulouse (14th) or Lille (10th), Gerónimo Rulli was beaten in the first minutes of the match by a left-footed strike from Anan Khalaili, far too little pressure from the Marseille defense.
As against Ajax Amsterdam and Sporting Lisbon, OM relied on the twirling Igor Paixao. Certainly, it was not the best goal of his career, but it remains very valuable. However, he owes it mainly to Kjell Scherpen, the goalkeeper of the Brussels club, very clumsy in repelling a shot and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the feet of the Brazilian (15th).
Unnecessary scares
The equalizer was entirely deserved. Dominant but patient, with the Belgian Arthur Vermeeren playing in front of those close to him, the Marseillais gradually brought down the Union Saint-Gilloise. Mason Greenwood took care of breaking them up at the end of the first period with a right-footed strike (41st), then at the start of the second with a superb hook and a left-footed shot (58th).
However, another Marseille tradition exists: OM likes to play with its happiness. While they were in complete control of the game, the Phocaeans found themselves in difficulty due to a poor outing from Gerónimo Rulli which benefited Anan Khalaili, author of a double (71st). They especially scared each other twice, following goals from Kevin Mac Allister and Promise David. However, these were canceled for offside by a few millimeters.
With three successes against Ajax, Newcastle and Union Saint-Gilloise, Olympique de Marseille have taken a big step towards the Champions League play-offs. A final success against Liverpool or Club Brugge in January would definitively seal his ticket.
