Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille at the Vélodrome on Sunday, extending their winning run to three matches in all competitions while condemning the hosts to a fifth consecutive defeat
Paris Saint-Germain left Marseille with a 2-1 victory on Sunday, a result that keeps their momentum going after recent wins over Bratislava in the Champions League and Brest in Ligue 1. However, the performance was far from convincing, and Marseille pushed them all the way.
Bruno Genesio’s side delivered a brave and organised display against a superior opponent, but they still ended up empty-handed for the fifth time in six league games this season. The applause from the home crowd at the final whistle may have softened the blow slightly.
Having lost four straight matches, including in the Europa League, Marseille fans were not particularly enthused about this Classique. The Vélodrome was not full, and banners protesting against owner Frank McCourt were on display. Dimitri Payet, who kicked off the match, received the loudest ovation of any Marseille figure.
Dembélé struggles as Marseille start brightly
Marseille, already in the relegation zone and second from bottom at kick-off, began the game well, helped by a lacklustre PSG performance. The home side lost Paixao to injury early on and spent much of the first half chasing the ball, but they remained in the contest because Paris failed to make the most of their possession.
The best chance of the opening period fell to Marseille, with Neal Maupay missing a remarkable opportunity in the 36th minute. Ousmane Dembélé then headed wide for PSG six minutes later, highlighting the shared wastefulness in front of goal. At half-time, the score was still 0-0, and the Vélodrome was proud of its team.
After the break, Dembélé, clearly not at his best, blazed a shot over from the middle of the Virage Sud in the 53rd minute. Almost a year to the day since he received his Ballon d’Or, the PSG number 10 was having a night to forget.
The script could have been different if Maupay had not missed another huge chance in the 62nd minute, just before both coaches turned to their benches. The difference in quality on the bench was stark: Luis Enrique brought on Ferran Torres, while Genesio introduced Keyliane Abdallah, who has just 20 professional appearances to his name.
Ferran Torres makes the difference
Unsurprisingly, the extra talent told. Paris took the lead through their Spanish world champion: a perfect cross from Désiré Doué was met by a perfectly timed run and header from Ferran Torres (1-0, 66th minute).
Marseille, however, showed resilience. They equalised through the much-criticised Angel Gomes, who scored after a move that began with Dembélé losing the ball under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (1-1, 72nd minute).
But the joy lasted only two minutes. Marquinhos, who continues to find the net, converted a superb cross from Nuno Mendes at the second attempt (2-1, 74th minute).
Timothy Weah’s sending off in the 76th minute made life easier for PSG, who controlled the closing stages without ever putting the game to bed.
With the international break approaching, Paris will aim in October to climb further up the table and start looking more like the double European champions they are. There is still time.
For Marseille, 17th in the league, there is no money, no depth on the bench, and not many points either. They will need to find some quickly.
