The long-awaited return. After three preparation matches away from its bases, Olympique de Marseille returned to its Vélodrome for the last pre-season match. A sold-out stadium for the first time this season, which continued to sing and cheer despite OM’s defeat against Bayer Leverkusen (1-2).
The match begins in a heated atmosphere. Two teams who came to play and win and a lot of intensity in the first quarter of an hour. Few opportunities to get in their mouths, until Leverkusen’s first goal. Bayer captain Jonathan Tah took advantage of a hazardous exit from Pau Lopez, hampered by Geoffrey Kondogbia, to score the first goal of the match (15th). The Marseillais run towards the referee who does not flinch. The goal is confirmed.
Despite this goal conceded quickly, when neither of the two teams really dominated, the Olympians were not helpless. Marcelino’s players always had the will to play forward, in particular thanks to the speed of Ismaïla Sarr, very prominent for his first. The Leverkusen players mainly proceeded on the counterattack. A good show, therefore, but few clear chances in this first period. Just before the break, Nadiem Amiri will surprise his world and allow the visitors to lead 2-0. The German midfielder hits a direct corner and takes advantage of Pau Lopez’s error of appreciation to score the second goal before returning to the locker room (43rd).
Despite this two-goal deficit, the Olympians are back on their feet. Marcelino’s players chained the chances (50th, 54th) but failed to deceive the vigilance of Patrick Pentz. The misfortunes are linked on the heads of the Marseillais who will see, one after the other, out Iliman Ndiaye (57th) and Erman Soglo (61st) on injuries. The two players immediately landed on the ground to ask for the change but managed to get out standing. More fear than harm ?
Two early outings before the many changes made by Marcelino (three in the 64th, four in the 74th). OM played the last quarter of an hour with an entirely different starting XI. Paid replacements, in particular thanks to the entry of François Régis Mughe. The 19-year-old striker brought a lot of punch to the side. Three minutes after his entry, the Cameroonian is also at the conclusion of a cross from Pape Gueye (77th) to revive his team.
A breathless end to the match in a still noisy Velodrome. Despite opportunities from François Régis Mughe (89th) and Chancel Mbemba (90 5), OM failed to equalise. Second defeat for Marseille in four preseason games. Lots of loose ends for Marcelino as the first official match is just around the corner. It will be on the lawn of Panathinaikos, on August 9, for the first leg of the third round of qualifying for the Champions League.
