After two frustrating defeats against Sporting (1-2) and Atalanta (0-1), Roberto De Zerbi’s OM must absolutely get back into the Champions League when Newcastle visit on Tuesday evening (9 p.m.). The Phocéens, who have only three points on the clock, are only 25th in the general ranking, while only the top 24 will advance to the knockout phase. The arrival of the Magpies will bring back a magnificent memory to the public at the Stade Vélodrome. Didier Drogba made the supporters capsize with happiness on May 6, 2004.
“These are unforgettable memories. It wasn’t long ago that I was watching the recap of this match and, over twenty years later, it’s still just as powerful to me. I’m really happy to see Olympique de Marseille in the Champions League again. Especially to receive Newcastle”thus launches Drogba in The Team about this legendary evening.
Marseille qualified for the final of the UEFA Cup (the name of the Europa League until 2009) by beating the English team in the semi-final second leg. After a 0-0 at St James’s Park, José Anigo’s team counted on a great Drogba to reach the final. The Ivory Coast international opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Launched in depth by Camel Meriem, the Elephant made a hook behind his supporting leg in front of Andrew O’Brien before finishing with the left. “A dribble I planned to do that day”he admits!
Drogba was “cooked”
Didier Drogba defeated the NUFC of Laurent Robert and Alan Shearer in the 82nd minute by taking a back cross from Laurent Battles, but he could have scored a hat-trick in the process without a save from Shay Given (88th): “In fact, everything I planned, I attempted and succeeded. Well almost: I should have scored a hat-trick that day. But I no longer had any legs, I was done. I tried an action where I leave. If I score, it would have been something else again, I think”.
In the final, two weeks later in Gothenburg (Sweden), José Anigo’s team completely collapsed against Valence CF (2-0). Didier Drogba played physically weakened after a huge foul by Julien Rodriguez during Monaco-OM. And Fabien Barthez killed Marseille’s hopes by mowing down Mista to receive a red card (45th). Vicente opened the scoring from the penalty spot in front of Jérémy Gavanon just before half-time. A wasted epic.
The delirium of the Vélodrome on Didier Drogba’s first goal.
