Stéphane Burgatt (in Marseille) / Photo credit: Nicolas TUCAT / AFP
It’s a decisive match for Olympique de Marseille this Tuesday evening. After their defeat against the Greeks of Panathinaikos in the preliminary round of the first leg of the Champions League, the Marseillais have no choice but to win this return match. To get there, they can count on a packed Velodrome stadium.
optimism and doubt
In the Marseille city, the supporters are divided. On the one hand, the optimists, who see OM going much further in this competition. “I see them going to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In addition, the Pope will come to Marseille in mid-September. And he will bless us and bless OM”, assures a Marseillais.
Others have more doubts: “I’m afraid”, confides a supporter at the microphone of Europe 1. “Tonight, I’m going to go to the Good Mother, to pray in order to support them”, assures another. On the side of the optimists, the narrow victory in the championship last weekend is enough to rekindle the flame. “We can make a comeback I think. When we are at home more, there is more atmosphere, it will do better I think,” said a young supporter at the blue microphone. “We eat them, that’s for sure! Me, I’m not afraid. I think it’s them who should be afraid, given the level of play they have,” he continues.
A small goal to catch up
But Marseille was not famous either in the first leg, against the Greeks. And it does not escape some: “OM are still in the run-in. It is clear that the team is not ready yet. In terms of play, it seems limited”, considers a Marseillais. “It’s normal with the changes that have been made. It’s under construction and it’s true that this match is too early somewhere. But we have no choice. We’ll have to they give it their all,” replied another fan.
And against the Greeks of Panathinaikos, OM finally only have one goal to catch up and can count on a boiling Velodrome for a sold-out match.