DIRECT. OM – Benfica: follow the match

20:45 – Gasset has prepared all the scenarios

Taking advantage of the week of rest granted by the LFP, Jean-Louis Gasset prepared as best as possible for this quarter-final return, identifying the sector where OM failed in Portugal. “What we didn’t do well in the first leg was in transitions. They have strong players on the counter-attack, so we’ll have to be there as soon as we lose the ball.”indicated the Marseille technician.

This respite also allowed the Marseillais to prepare for all scenarios. “We have 90 minutes to score a goal and maybe extra time in front of our home crowd to score the second”, supported Gasset. The latter even concocted a penalty shootout at the end of Wednesday’s training.

20:40 – The Cypriot debacle

Undefeated this season at home in Europa League, OM remains in 6 matches without defeat in the competition at the Vélodrome. The last time that the Marseillais fell in front of their supporters in C3 was on December 13, 2018 during the last day of a cataclysmic group stage (5 defeats). They then took a slap from Apollon Limassol carried by Maglica’s double and finished the match at 9 (1-3).

20:35 – Vélodrome security

This season, Olympique de Marseille has made the Stade Vélodrome a hostile terrain for all visitors. In 20 matches played at home, Jean-Louis Gasset’s men have only fallen once. It was during the Classic against PSG (0-2).

8:30 p.m. – The bad streak continues

Olympique de Marseille remains on a series of five consecutive losses in all competitions. The Marseillais thus lost at Villarreal (1-3), Rennes (0-2), against Paris Saint-Germain (0-2), at Lille (1-3) and at the Benfica Lisbon (1-2). The Marseille club has not won since April 10 and the reception of Nantes (2-0).

20:25 – Like in 2018?

This is the first time since 2018 that Olympique Marseille has reached the knockout stage of the Europa League. Six years ago, the Marseille club had already gone through the play-offs and eliminated Sporting Braga (3-0 at home and 0-1 in Portugal, editor’s note). Behind, he had an epic journey to the final, failing against Atletico Madrid (0-3).

8:20 p.m. – A week of rest

Since the quarter-final first leg in Portugal, Olympique de Marseille has been able to benefit from a full week of rest. Indeed, the Marseillais, like the Parisians and the Lille, were exempted from the Championship by the Professional Football League (LFP) in order to be able to prepare as best as possible for their return leg. Let’s see if this welcome rest will make the difference against the Lisbon team to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

20:15 – Aubameyang was not enough

Last week, Olympique de Marseille did well but conceded defeat at the Estadio da Luz (1-2). The Marseillais first endured the Portuguese pace and intensity for almost an hour, failing to isolate Joao Neves or contain Rafa Silva’s projections. They then logically conceded a goal from the Portuguese leader before Di Maria recalled their good memories at the conclusion of a counterattack. Far from giving up, the Marseillais gradually reversed the balance of power and were able to reduce the gap through Aubameyang, perfectly served by Ounahi. The last half hour was Marseille but the domination was sterile.

20:10 – Act VII

This is the 7th time that Benfica Lisbon and Olympique de Marseille have met on the European stage in an official match. For the moment, the advantage is slightly in favor of the Lisbonites who have three wins against only one for their Marseille rivals, for two draws.

20:05 – A German blowing the whistle

The match will be refereed by the German Felix Zwayer. He will be assisted by his compatriots Stefan Lupp and Marco Achmüller. Another German Harm Osmers will officiate as 4th referee. Video refereeing will be provided by the German pair Bastian Dankert-Marco Fritz.