From a predicted nightmare to total intoxication, there is sometimes only one step, or rather just one somersault. This Tuesday evening, the VĂ©lodrome thought it was reliving its worst hours before capsizing in the ecstasy of a founding victory (2-1) against Newcastle. Led, jostled, on the edge of the abyss after a cataclysmic start, Olympique de Marseille turned the tables thanks to the pride of its veteran, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It may not have been the 2004 semi-final and Drogba’s double, but in OM’s quest for European survival, this evening will have a special place.
The abyss, then the Aubame
Because you had to have a strong heart. Barely had the kick-off given, the ghosts of the defeat against Atalanta were already lurking. After a miraculous save from Højbjerg on his line (2nd), the penalty fell: Harvey Barnes, forgotten by an apathetic defense on a cross from Tonali, shot Rulli (6th). 0-1. The Vélodrome was frozen, stunned by so much excitement. OM seemed set for another evening of suffering, symbolized by Aubameyang harvesting two clear chances before the break. We thought the Gabonese was cursed, the Saudi bet lost. We were very wrong.
Aubameyang put OM back on track against Newcastle.
When we returned from the locker room, everything changed. In five minutes, the storm gave way to fury. Served by the young Darryl Bakola, a surprise and uninhibited starter, Aubameyang took advantage of a risky exit from the English goalkeeper to equalize with an impossible cross shot, from a tight angle, from more than 20 meters (46th). The stadium exploded, but Olympian number 97 was not done. Four minutes later, like a fox, he appeared at the near post to cut off a cross from Weah (50th). 2-1. At 36, the former controversial scorer scored a royal double, reminding everyone that talent does not age.
Solidarity and cold sweats
The hardest part remained: hold on. Contrary to its habits, Marseille did not break down. Curled up, united, carried by a public in trance, the Phocaeans accepted to suffer. They trembled until the end, especially on this final opportunity from Barnes in the 86th, but the lock held. Under the eyes of a relieved Frank McCourt, OM validated a fourth consecutive success in all competitions and, above all, relaunched themselves in the race for the play-offs. With six points, Marseille returns to the Top 24 (19th) and becomes master of its destiny again before facing the ogres Liverpool and Bruges. This evening, OM is alive, and its heart beats to the rhythm of Aubameyang’s somersaults.
