Disqualified OM of the C1 this week?

Published:

By: Nicolas Gerbault

Disqualified OM of the C1 this week?
This Tuesday at Bernabeu, OM plays much more than a simple opening match in the Champions League.

This Tuesday evening at Santiago Bernabeu, Olympique de Marseille is playing much more than a simple opening match. Faced with the Madrid giant, the men of Roberto de Zerbi carry on their shoulders the weight of an issue which far exceeds the three points at stake. The Marseille history in the Champions League reveals a disturbing secret that little know.

OM curse that no one knows

Because the statistics are ruthless: OM has never managed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League after losing its first group phase match. Never. This heavy trend crosses decades and strikes like a cleaver on Marseille ambitions. Whenever they fell from the start, the Phocaeans saw their European dreams collapse.

The examples are eloquent. In 2003-04, already against Real Madrid, the inaugural defeat ordered OM to finish third in his group. Same scenario in 2008-09 after the defeat against Liverpool, then in 2013-14 against Arsenal. More recently, in 2020-21, the inaugural defeat against Olympiakos had sealed the Marseille fate: last in the group with only 3 points.

OM in C1: this historical data which worries before Madrid

False departure syndrome

This curse reveals a deeper evil. When OM misses its European start, the team seems to lose their bearings and confidence. The pressure of the catch -up then becomes insurmountable, transforming each next match into a final. The psychological effect of this first defeat contaminates the entire route, creating a vicious circle whose club can no longer come out.

Conversely, during successful campaigns as in 1999-2000 or 2007-08, OM had always avoided defeat during its first outing. This correlation is not trivial: it testifies to the crucial importance of the momentum in a competition as demanding as the Champions League.

This Tuesday, from Zerbi and his players have the opportunity to break this infernal spiral. A draw or a victory at the Bernabeu would already change the psychological situation. Because history teaches it: in Marseille, everything is played out as of European kick -off.

Nicolas Gerbault

Written by:

Nicolas Gerbault

Nicolas Gerbault is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Nicolas discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Nicolas enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.