Olympique de Marseille lost to Reims (1-0) on Wednesday in a late match on the 32nd day of Ligue 1, which compromises its chances of playing in a European Cup next season. Jean-Louis Gasset’s men remain eighth in the standings and are still three points ahead of Lens (sixth), the last virtual qualifier for a European competition, and Lyon (seventh).
On the occasion of the 34th and final day of the championship on Sunday, the Marseillais will have to win in Le Havre and hope for a misstep from their direct opponents at the same time. After the semi-final of the Europa League lost to Atalanta Bergamo (4-1, cumulative score), the Marseille club could experience new disillusionment after finishing the 2022-2023 season in third place.
Having to win on the field of a Champagne team which had not tasted victory since March 17 (2-1 against Metz), Marseille lacked creativity, drive and character. Three days after a laborious victory against Lorient (3-1), OM again appeared in difficulty and without any real spirit of revolt once behind, despite the urgency.
It was the unfortunate Chancel Mbemba who extended a cross from Junya Ito into his own net, after a nice move from Reims (1-0, 33rd). The Marseillais, however, received a warning at the start of the match when Marshall Munetsi took advantage of excellent ball protection from Oumar Diakité to burst through the middle and beat Pau Lopez, but the Ivorian was finally flagged offside (5th) .
It was the Rémois who had the most opportunities overall, since Junya Ito (16th), Keito Nakamura (38th), Reda Khadra (67th) and Adama Bojang (79th) had opportunities to widen the gap, in vain. Reims goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf also stood out by making two decisive saves against Pape Gueye (25th) and Luis Henrique (70th). So valuable this season with 29 goals scored in all competitions, Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, victim of gastric problems for several days, has been very discreet.
In Reims, moved up to tenth place, interim coach Samba Diawara has already won his bet. Replacing at short notice Will Still, who left “by mutual agreement” with his management, the former Malian international obtained a first prestigious success, five days after a reassuring draw brought back from Brest (1-1).
At the start of the meeting, the Reims ultras displayed a harsh banner to sum up their club’s season: “European January, since then, good for nothing!” They will not be able to say the same after this meeting. Opposite, freshly out of Europe, Marseille may have to wait a long time before finding it again.