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Marseille eyes opportunity for further European glory

By Marcel Dumas

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Steve Mandanda of Olympic Marseille talks to the media during a press conference at Emirates Stadium on November 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Steve Mandanda of Olympic Marseille talks to the media during a press conference at Emirates Stadium on November 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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A win in Europa would help in restoring Marseille’s image and give a potential boost to their summer recruiting efforts. They have made progress in Ligue 1 since their 13th place finish in 2016.

It has been twenty-five years since Marseille became kings of Europe with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. In doing so, they became the first French side to capture the Champions League crown.

While Wednesday’s Europa League final will not carry the same stature as the 1993 conquest, it will be a trophy worth celebrating. If Marseille can overcome Atletico Madrid, they will automatically qualify for next season’s Champions League making their final Ligue 1 match irrelevant in that regard.

Returning to Europe’s top competition is just another step in the process set forth when American Frank McCourt acquired the club in 2016. Rebuilding the French giant into a force domestically and on the continent has been in the cards since that day.

Domestically, Marseille has found consistency difficult to maintain. While few expected them to overtake PSG for the title, they were thought to be among the next set of teams vying for a Champions League spot. With Dimitri Payet, Steve Mandanda, Luiz Gustavo and Florian Thauvin leading the way, OM have found themselves on the verge of capping their season in style.

Standing in their way is French star Antoine Griezmann and an Atletico squad that is justifiably favored in this match up. To come out on top, Marseille will have to rely on Mandanda to keep their defensive ranks organized against the Madrid attack. Containing Griezmann and Diego Costa will be a tall order.

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On the other end, Thauvin will be called upon to spark the attack from the wing. The former Newcastle player has seen his career take off this season. On the other side, Payet faces a race for fitness. His loss would be a huge blow for Marseille. Despite his up and down form, Payet’s ability on set pieces is the type of weapon OM may need to win this. Having him lined up on the opposite flank of Thauvin provides balance and will keep Atletico from being able to focus their efforts on Thauvin.

Marseille will also have to earn the prize on the grounds of one of their biggest rivals. With the final set for Lyon, Marseille will have to cast aside any demons they have faced in their recent trips up the Rhone. Winning in Lyon would sweeten the win even more though.

A win in Europa would help in restoring Marseille’s image and give a potential boost to their summer recruiting efforts. They have made progress in Ligue 1 since their 13th place finish in 2016. With their financial difficulties seemly behind them, and a solid core to build around, Marseille can use this final to showcase their club.

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