Olympique de Marseille loses to Olympiakos in Europa League

Olympique de Marseille slumped to a 1–0 defeat against Olympiakos in the Europa League on Thursday evening, October 15, 2026, following an earlier loss to Besiktas. Bruno Genesio’s side dominated possession at the Stade Vélodrome but failed to convert their chances, leaving the French club searching for answers after a troubled build-up that included domestic points-deduction threats and travel disputes involving visiting supporters.

The results leave Rennes preparing to visit Juventus next Thursday looking to build on their dramatic escape.

A Tense Atmosphere at the Stade Vélodrome

The night unfolded against a tense backdrop in Marseille. Earlier in the day, off-pitch concerns had rattled the club, while manager Bruno Genesio fielded an attacking lineup featuring Bamo Meïté in central defence and Neal Maupay leading the attack. The hosts started brightly, pressing forward immediately and forcing an early threat when Weah sent a dangerous cross into the penalty area in the 6th minute.

Olympiakos Strikes Before the Interval

Olympiakos gradually wrestled back control, settling into an even first half characterized by tight midfield battles and few clear openings. Angel Gomes flashed occasional brilliance for Marseille, while a strike from Abdallah was well saved by De Lange in the 36th minute. Just before the interval, the visitors struck decisively. Chiquinho delivered an accurate cross into the box, allowing Santiago Hezze to meet the ball with a firm header that beat De Lange underneath the crossbar in the 42nd minute.

Resilient Defence Frustrates Marseille’s Second-Half Push

Trailing at the break despite controlling possession, Marseille pushed hard for an equalizer upon the restart. Igor Paixão threatened in the 48th minute and later opened his foot too much on the hour mark following a slick one-two with Gomes. Genesio introduced Harit and Gouiri to inject further urgency into the final third. Ortega produced two fine saves to deny both Weah and Paixão, frustrating the hosts as the tactical adjustments made by Imanol Alguacil helped the Piraeus club weather the storm and secure control of the match.

Rennes Stunned Early by OFI Crète

Meanwhile, Stade Rennais endured a significantly more dramatic evening at Roazhon Park, ultimately scraping a 2–1 victory against OFI Crète to claim their first European win. Franck Haise’s side fell behind in the 10th minute.

Late Drama and Redemption at Roazhon Park

Rennes surged forward in response, with Nagida rattling the crossbar in the 15th minute and Lepaul missing the target shortly before halftime. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Nagida lashed a powerful strike into the top corner to level the score at 1–1.

Deep into stoppage time, Rennes completed the comeback. Following a save by the Greek goalkeeper, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal reacted quickest at the penalty spot to bundle the loose ball into the net in the 91st minute, sealing a 2–1 win. Speaking to Canal+ after the final whistle, Franck Haise joked about his prolonged drought in continental competition—which spanned 17 winless matches in the Europa League—remarking that he had briefly considered leaving European duties entirely to his coaching staff before expressing relief at finally securing a victory.

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