Surprised by Brighton at the end of the match, Olympique de Marseille failed to qualify for the round of 16 of the Europa League (0-1).
As the winter break approaches, Olympique de Marseille could treat themselves to a nice Christmas present… With a remarkable run on the European scene, the Marseille club had the opportunity to directly get their ticket to the round of 16 of the Europa League. For this, the Gattuso gang should collect at least a draw on the Brighton pitch, this Thursday evening, for their last outing in this group phase. A setback allowed the British team to get back in front, thus forcing OM to go through the round of 16 box.
OM misses the mark
Unfortunately for OM, it was not the best scenario that happened. In a 3-5-2 system which has proven itself in recent matches, Gennaro Gattuso’s men were not effective enough in the two zones of truth to avoid falling into the trap set by Brighton.
There was no rain of goals this time. But an intense, choppy, contested duel. A balance of power in which Brighton had its highlights. With high and intense pressure, the Seagulls clearly imposed their territorial domination to make a fairly wait-and-see Marseille team suffer. Paradoxically, it was the visitors who had the clearest opportunity of this first act, Clauss’ shot hitting the crossbar a quarter of an hour into the game (15th).
The second act was more consistent in the content proposed by the Marseillais. Aubameyang and Clauss had several interesting situations to negotiate, while Harit also touched wood (59th). But Brighton ended up putting in one last push, and Joao Pedro, untenable, ended up freeing the British team on the gong (2-1, 88th). OM will have to go through the play-offs of these eighths at the start of the school year.
