OM break 14-year jinx to secure victory against PSG

Olympique Marseille on Monday broke a 14-year jinx when they succeeded in defeating defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Vélodrome.

Marseille defeated the European Champions thanks to an early goal from Nayef Aguerd, which allowed Monaco to take the lead in the Ligue 1 table.

The Ligue 1 Classic scheduled for Sunday was postponed to Monday evening due to a storm in Southern France. On Sunday,  the storm hit the Phocaean city.

This was a huge victory for the host that had not scored against PSG at the Vélodrome in the Ligue 1 since 2017 and had not beaten them at home in Ligue 1 since 2011 (3-0), at the time when QSI had only just taken over the capital club. 

Marseille got the only goal of the match when PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier came for a deflected Mason Greenwood cross but got nothing on the ball, allowing Aguerd to head into the unguarded net to score his second of the campaign.

After going ahead in the lively first half-hour, PSG searched for an equaliser, but Rulli kept a close eye on Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz to nullify any chance created by the duo.

The hosts had a chance to make it two, but Amine Gouiri’s curling shot in the 25th minute hit the bar.

Emerson thought he had scored the second, but  Pavard was in an offside position.

Marseille, with Paixao, know how to accelerate and create danger as PSG were looking to take control of the game.

The visitors couldn’t get a grip on the game, but the absences of Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, and Neves didn’t help them in their quest. 

However, they still rely on other top players in the squad, as Kvaratskhelia released a dangerous shot before the end of the first half. 

PSG upped their game in the second half and had several chances to equalise, but Rulli was on top form as he made a superb save from Achraf Hakimi.

Ramos’ header also went off the target, and the Argentinian goalkeeper repelled another shot from Vitinha to keep the hosts in the game.

After Roberto De Zerbi was sent off in the 91st minute for showing his anger,   Marseille subsequently wasted two more chances that didn’t eventually hurt them as they held on for an important victory.