Marseille Defeated by Leverkusen in Friendly Match

Olympique de Marseille faced a 1-2 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen at the Vélodrome in their final preseason friendly match. Despite the intense atmosphere at the stadium, the home team couldn't secure a victory. The German team took advantage of mistakes made by Marseille's goalkeeper, Pau Lopez, scoring both of their goals from corners. Jonathan Tah opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by Nadiem Amiri just before halftime.

Disappointing Preseason Campaign for Marseille

This loss marks a mixed preseason for Marseille, with two wins against Nîmes and Waalwijk, but also two defeats against Eupen and Leverkusen. However, their performances on the field have shown promise. The team must work on their concentration and avoid making errors before their crucial away match against Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. A victory in that match is essential if they want to keep their dreams of participating in the Champions League alive.

Positive Signs for Marseille Despite Defeat

Although the scoreline doesn't fully reflect the game, Marseille displayed control and created more opportunities than their opponents. The team showcased a strong bond and understanding amongst themselves, but struggled with the final touch. It's important to note that the players, especially the more experienced ones, are still adjusting to a new system under Marcelino, who took over as coach at the end of last season. The team has transitioned from a three-man defense to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation, with a greater emphasis on wing play.

opportunities : opportunités

defeat : défaite