Europa League: in the Galatasaray volcano, OM are only aiming for victory

Should we see the glass half empty or half full concerning the course of OM in this Europa League?

After 4 games played, OM are still undefeated but have not won a single match in their group E either. After 4 points sharing, OM occupy 3rd place in their group with 4 units, just behind Lazio Rome, 2nd with 5 points and 4 points behind his opponent of the day, Galatasaray, in the lead with 8 points.

To discover

• Fixtures and results Europa League

• Europa League standings

With the advent of the new Europa Conference League, this 3rd place in Group E would allow OM to continue their European journey by joining the Round of 16 of this competition.

But given the ambitions displayed at the start of the season and the content offered during these first 4 confrontations, it is difficult not to consider such an outcome as a great disappointment.

To avoid such a scenario, OM must leave Istanbul with the 3 points.

Often poorly paid services

If the Olympians run desperately after this European victory to the point of finding themselves back to the wall, their lack of efficiency in the first 4 games has a lot to do with it.

Overall, OM have delivered good performances this season in the Europa League, especially on the lawn of Lokomotiv Moscow during the first day where their overwhelming domination was certainly better than the draw obtained (1-1).

Facing Galatasaray at the Vélodrome, OM pushed for a long time to score the unsuccessful goal of victory (0-0).

Then, the two confrontations against Lazio saw the Marseillais look straight in the eyes of the biancocelesti but again, insufficient to clinch a first victory in C3 since 2018.

Read alsoContested choice of Sampaoli, certain irregularity, complex schedule: why OM turns less strong

“

”confirmed coach Jorge Sampaoli at a press conference.

A turbulent context

However, the head has not always been in football this week on the side of the commandery. In question, this dark evening last Sunday at the Groupama stadium where the Lyon / Marseille shock lasted only 5 minutes due to a bottle throwing on Dimitri Payet. “

 ”said the Argentinian technician. Same story for defender William Saliba. "

."

Despite everything, it's hard not to imagine the Marseille locker room still struck by the excesses of last Sunday.

The main player, Dimitri Payet, was still very affected at the beginning of the week but will not be able to play this chopper match against Galatasaray due to a suspension just like Valentin Rongier.

Turkish winger Cengiz Ünder is also uncertain for this part.

Hostile atmosphere

It is therefore a slightly weakened OM that moves to Turkey.

However, not sure that Dimitri Payet would have been able to face the hell of the Nave Stadyumu, the enclosure of Galatasaray.

50,000 spectators are expected this Thursday and the atmosphere promises to be particularly hostile for the Marseillais.

Last weekend, during the derby against Fenerbahçe (Galatasaray defeated 2-1 at home), many projectiles targeted the opposing player Mesut Özil after his equalizing goal at the half-hour mark. the parallel with the sad incidents that occurred in Lyon on Sunday.

Read alsoOL-OM: chronology of a grotesque evening where French football has hit rock bottom

However, on the side of OM, no apprehension at the idea of ​​facing the 12th man of Galatasaray.

“

 ”says coach Jorge Sampaoli.

The meeting promises to be all the more perilous for OM as their opponents will certainly be keen to wash away the affront of this derby lost in the last moments.

A vengeful opponent in an incandescent atmosphere.

Given the current context, the challenge could hardly be taken up for OM.