Posted the : December 28, 2021
Through : Louis
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Once again, Olympique de Marseille end a European campaign in a frustrating way. After the previous disappointments and sad records broken, Marseille had a chance this year to show its progress. Return on the performances of OM within the group of the death of this Europa League 2021-2022.
Unable to win… and lose?
After four games and as many draws, we had a curious impression of monotony during this campaign. However, the draw had reserved a strong group for OM which announced an exciting fight for qualification. It must be said, with Lazio, Lokomotiv and Galatasaray, we certainly had the best group in the competition.
On September 16, the Marseillais opened the ball and made almost a perfect start during a complicated trip to Moscow. But Lokomotiv scored the 1-1 goal in the 89th minute and Marseille went home with a first draw that smelled of defeat. Two weeks later, Galatasaray arrives at the Velodrome with the intention of parking the bus. Mission accomplished, 0-0 after a tasteless match.
There follows a double confrontation against a Lazio who is struggling to start his season. But the Olympians must win at least one of the two games against the group’s most dangerous opponent. In the end, the two teams neutralize each other (0-0) in the first match and offer us an already more pleasant spectacle in the return match (1-0, 1-2 then 2-2 at the Vélodrome).
Marseille gives the impression of crushing all its opponents in the game … but only 4 points on the clock. On November 25 in Istanbul, the few remaining qualifying hopes fly away during a game played in advance as the Sampaoli team misses out. 4-2 for Galatasaray, Marseille is eliminated.
It remains for the Olympians to save the honor and qualify for the Conference League play-offs. This will be done against Lokomotiv at the Velodrome (1-0).
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Tops
Owned by : If the Pole failed to continue his momentum from last season in Ligue 1, he was on the other hand more valuable in the Europa League, notably scoring the decisive goal in the match for third place.
Europa League Conference: If some see the C4 matches with a negative eye defending a less busy schedule, Marseille is still giving itself the opportunity to play a new European trophy, especially since OM seem to be among the favorites.
Flops
Four out of six draws : This course perfectly symbolizes the first half of the Marseille season. With a waterproof defense and a pleasant game, the team of Sampaoli knows not to lose. On the other hand, the shortcomings in the last pass and in the finish are glaring.
1 goal per game : This seems really weak given the Marseille ambitions and underlines the lack of finish of the men of Sampaoli.
OM, still in contention on all fronts, will now have to manage a busy schedule to catch up with a once again disappointing European campaign.
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