An unusual French classic was played tonight at 20:00 at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille. The match was scheduled for Sunday evening, but was postponed due to the storm that hit the city of Marseille yesterday. Despite the last-minute change, the frenzy for this highly anticipated clash has gripped the city since the early hours of today.
It is a close rivalry, reflecting that between the north and south of France, but in terms of play, Marseille arrived at the match as the ‘underdog’, having not scored against PSG at the Vélodrome in the league since 2017 and not beaten them at home in Ligue 1 since 2011 (3-0), the year Qatar Sports Investments took the reins of the French capital's team.
Marseille showed great character tonight with a 1-0 victory over the defending champions thanks to a goal from Nayef Aguerd early in the game (5′). The goal was followed by two good chances by the Parisians, those of Vitinha (17′) and Fabian Ruiz (22′), promptly repelled by Rulli. Marseille then came very close to doubling the score with Amine Gouiri attempting a spectacular shot on the turn, which was stopped by the crossbar (25′).PSG tried for a long time to take control of the match without ever quite succeeding; certainly the absences of Dembélé, Barcola, Doué and Neves were very heavy.
The second half saw a PSG certainly more decisive and aggressive, which registered several chances, but nothing helped against a well-positioned Marseille and with a top-class goalkeeper like Rulli between the posts.
The importance of this victory for all the Marseille people was epitomised by an agitated Roberto de Zerbi on the sidelines, who was ejected towards the end for not being able to contain his disappointment against referee Brisard's assessment (90’+1).
At the triple whistle, the stadium exploded with joy, the fans pulled a surprise celebratory cheer out of their hat, and the celebration in the city will surely continue into the early hours of the morning.
The defeat suffered by the Parisians allows Monaco to take possession of the top of the league table.
It is still too early to speculate on winning the championship this season, but this evening has certainly shuffled the balance in Ligue 1.
