Behind the PSG behemoth, untouchable, OL and OM have been struggling for years to become the best of others. Everything contrasts the 2nd and 3rd largest cities in France, the two clubs who like to hate each other, to thrive. They have become the two great sporting rivals in France. Each of their oppositions smells of sulfur, warmed by little sentences.
This quarter-final of the Coupe de France, long indecisive, long closed, long boring, could quickly have been forgotten, as the two clubs have big goals in the league. But now, it was the other Olympic opposite. And it's not the same. Lyon-Marseille is not just a match. And these are not the same consequences.
For a long time, therefore, the duel on Wednesday evening was not an opposition between two teams which aspire to confront the best in Europe in the prestigious Champions League. Confused, as too often, in a cruel lack of confidence, Rudi Garcia's team has long stammered its football. Unable to put rhythm, intensity. Unable to sublimate, to bring madness.
Pelé stops a penalty
Opposite, OM, as usual this season, strove to play, solid, efficient. The Phoenicians had not conceded a goal in 6 of their last 7 games. Not brilliant, not flamboyant, but solid. In the face of an OL in doubt, this has long been enough.
Especially when in addition, the Rhodaniens spoil an offering, with a missed penalty from Moussa Dembélé, the house gunner, a shot mostly repelled by Pelé, who replaced Mandanda in the Marseille cage (69th). "We didn't miss much," regrets the Marseille goalkeeper. Pity. We will have to get up on Sunday in Ligue 1. "
In the second half, Lyon managed to break the Marseille lock. Thanks to his best player, Houssem Aouar, already the author of a sublime goal in the semi-final of the Coupe de la Ligue against Lille. "We are very satisfied," said the evening striker. It was a close match. This goal delivers us. We are in half. We try to go as far as possible in all competitions. "
With the absences until the end of the Memphis and Reine-Adelaide season, the talented Gone insists that he wants to take more responsibility. He also showed that he was essential to the good health of his club, like Dimitri Payet in the other camp.
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At 16 points from OM in L1, far from European places, Lyon was the one of the two Olympics who had the most to lose. But he is still alive. And he can still dream of a glorious spring. Rudi Garcia can also breathe, he is often singled out for his inability to win big games. It was one. Even more in front of his old club.
For Phocaeans, it is certainly a stop but a small one. Because it was Lyon, where OM have not won since 2007. And because a Marseille victory would have plunged the rival into crisis, but not the reverse. For two clubs that hate each other, it's always a good fight.
Lyon-Marseille 1-0
Half time: 0-0
Spectators: around 35,000
Referee: M. Millot
Goal. Lyon: Aouar (82nd).
Warnings. Lyon: Toko-Ekambi (15th), Tete (17th). Marseille: Strootman (37th), Sanson (49th), Sakai (69th).
Lyon : Lopes - Tete, Andersen, Denayer (cap.), Cornet - Caqueret, Tousart (Thiago Mendes 51e), Aouar - Toko-Ekambi, M. Dembélé (Marçal 85e), Terrier (Traoré 77e). Entr. Garcia
Marseille : Pelé - B. Sar, Kamara, Alvaro, Sakai - Rongier, Strootman, Sanson - Lopez, Germain, Payet (cap.) (Aké 73e). Entr. : Villas-Boas
