at the end of the suspense, Marseille reaches the semi-final after eliminating Benfica on penalties

2024-04-18 22:05:27

By the editorial staff

Published yesterday at 11:49 p.m., Updated now

Moumbagna allowed OM to equalize in both matches. Christian Hartmann / REUTERS

In a poor then exciting match, the Olympians first won 1-0 on the field against Benfica before dominating the penalty session (4-2).

OM will see the semi-finals of the Europa League! Defeated in the first leg (2-1), the Marseillais managed to make up the deficit by winning 1-0 thanks to a header from Moumbagna (79th). However, they did not manage to break away and had to wait for the fateful penalty session to make the difference.

After a particularly poor first 45 minutes offensively, it’s hard to imagine such an exciting second half. For a long time, OM tried to find an opening in the middle with their Harit-Aubameyand-Ounahi trio, but the opposing defensive system prevented the slightest real Marseille opportunity.

In the second half, Ndiaye (47th), Kondogbia (56th), Veretout (60th and 65th) and especially Kondogbia alone at the penalty spot (69th) all had their chance to put OM in front. It was finally Moumbagna, who entered in the 59th minute, who made the difference by taking in a cross from Aubameyang in the 79th minute.

An opening score which completely changed the appearance of the match. The apathetic Lisbonites then threw themselves into the Marseille camp. Kokcu (80th) and Di Maria (86th) both had the opportunity to equalize for Benfica before the end of regulation time.

As the match progressed, Jean-Louis Gasset changed his starting players with names unknown to the general public. Daou, released from the reserve team (N3), Lafont, U19 player. Names that will allow OM to resist a disjointed end to the match and secure a penalty shootout.

From the start, Di Maria sent his shot on goal to Lopez’s right post. The Marseille goalkeeper then stopped Silva’s shot a few minutes later. For their part, the Marseillais each succeeded in their exercise. Luis Enrique was the last shooter, the one who delivered the entire Vélodrome stadium.

OM will face Atalanta Bergamo in the semi-final, beaten 1-0 by Liverpool but qualified thanks to a 3-0 victory in the first leg. The meeting will take place in early May.