Thanks to a hat-trick from Aubameyang, OM beat Ajax and consolidate their place as group leader in the Europa League.
After Brighton’s victory against AEK Athens, theOlympic Marseille was already assured of being a play-off in the knockout stages of the Europa League. But in the event of victory againstAjax Amsterdam this Thursday, Gennaro Gattuso’s men could take first place in group B and take an option on a direct qualification to the round of 16.
Crazy start to the match
Facing the Dutchman, the Olympians attacked the match from the right end and obtained a penalty after seven minutes of play for a foul on Ismaïla Sarr. Not very confident, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first goal in five matches by deceiving Ramaj with composure. (1-0, 9th)
MBEMBA’S RAGEOUS HEAD, 2-1 FOR OM! 😱
Marseille is provisionally qualified for the final stages of the Europa League ✅#OMAJA | #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/kG2jkxkdCm
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) November 30, 2023
The joy was short-lived for the Stade Vélodrome since, 23 seconds after kick-off, Brian Brobbey equalizes after a nice one-two on which the Marseille defense, notably Samuel Gigot, is not exempt from all criticism. It was then the Ajacides who took the upper hand by creating a few situations, but OM managed to regain the advantage thanks to Chancel Mbemba receiving a corner from Jonathan Clauss (2-1, 26th). The Phocaeans did not learn their lesson and were once again surprised for four minutes by Brian Brobbey, Samuel Gigot being found wanting again (2-2, 30th). As in the first half, the first half was spectacular and the two teams returned to the locker room with a score of 2-2.
Aubameyang stunning
THIS MONSTROUS BUUUUT FROM AUBAMEYANG! 😱
What a comeback from the OM striker to give Marseille the advantage again 😍#OMAJA | #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/FRSBJGG9uk
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) November 30, 2023
As soon as we return from the break, Aubameyang gives his team the advantage by taking back a cross from Harit with a magnificent scissor which deceives Ramaj (3-2, 48th). Another hard blow after the hour mark for Ajax who lose Steven Berghuis, excluded for a dangerous tackle on Joaquin Correa. Outnumbered, the visitors once again took advantage of the passivity of the Marseille defense to equalize again through Akpom (3-3, 80th).
In the 91st minute, the Marseillais obtained a penalty following a blunder by the Ajax goalkeeper, who missed his reception before mowing down Ismaïla Sarr. This time again, Aubameyang does not tremble and offers his hat-trick in the Riviera jersey and gives his team the advantage for a fourth time. Booed before the match, the ex-Arsenal player leaves to a standing ovation from the Stade Vélodrome.
OM won 4-3 after a spectacular match and are now in a good position to qualify directly for the round of 16. To do this, we will have to not lose at Brighton on December 14.
