The Stade Vélodrome, theater of great emotions, witnessed cruel disillusionment for Olympique de Marseille this Tuesday evening. In the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, Lille showed nerves of steel to eliminate the Phocaeans at the end of a breathtaking penalty shootout (1-1 tab 4-3), after a clash where the dramaturgy was culminated in the final moments of regulation time.
OM is dominant, but ineffective
From the first minutes, the Olympians imposed an infernal pace, overwhelming a Lille team cowering in defense. Luis Henrique, in the 8th minute, narrowly missed the opener by sending his shot wide of the target. In the 38th minute, Mason Greenwood found himself alone against Vito Mannone, but the Italian veteran produced a masterful save, already announcing his crucial role in the upcoming scenario.
Although largely dominant, Roberto De Zerbi’s men lacked edge in the last 30 meters, coming up against an organized and disciplined Lille defense.
Lille defeated OM in the Cup.
Lille strikes, Marseille roars in an incandescent finale
The Mastiffs’ game plan paid off in the second half. After a timid start, Lille knew how to seize their chance. In the 68th minute, Hakon Haraldsson capitalized on a bright pass from Jonathan David, perfectly served upstream by Thomas Meunier. The Icelander, cold and precise, deceived Jeffrey De Lange with an unstoppable shot from point blank range, plunging the Vélodrome into doubt.
But the story could not be written without a twist worthy of a great evening. As the specter of elimination loomed, Luis Henrique appeared in the 90th minute to offer an unexpected equalizer. His curling shot from outside the area rocketed into the Lille net, causing the Marseille stadium to explode. The Olympians were then believed capable of forcing destiny.
Penalties, kingdom of strong nerves
Deprived of extra time by the rules of the Coupe de France, the two teams faced each other directly in a penalty shootout where every move counted. In this exercise, Lille knew how to keep calm. Mannone, imperial in his cages, distinguished himself by diverting the strikes of Luis Henrique and Jonathan Rowe, sealing the fate of the match. The Mastiffs showed surgical precision, transforming their four attempts to qualify.
Regrets for Marseille, prospects for Lille
OM leaves the competition with a bitter taste. This trophy, which has eluded the club since 1989, represented a unique chance to shine in a competition where their story remains unfinished. Now focused on the championship, the Phocaeans will have to deal with a lighter program, but also with the frustration of this elimination.
For Lille, this victory is much more than just a qualification. After a complicated period, the Mastiffs, led by a vengeful Bruno Genesio, proved that they had the mental strength necessary to get back on track. Still in contention on all fronts, they can dream of a memorable end to the season.
