Against Liverpool’s Reds, OM were punished by English efficiency and suffered their fourth defeat of the league phase.
With a Stade Vélodrome set ablaze by a scorching atmosphere, OM had to push for a result to reward the passion in the stands. With Emerson absent and replaced by Medina, OM lined up with a back three, with Paixão dropping to support Medina on the left side. As a result, Liverpool created most of their chances by exploiting a poorly protected left flank. The goal disallowed for Ekitike came from that side, as did Mac Allister’s opportunity. One minute before halftime, Liverpool earned a free kick just outside Marseille’s penalty area, which Dominik Szoboszlai converted with a low, skidding strike.
Olympique de Marseille were stunned and never recovered in the second half. Liverpool controlled possession and allowed Marseille only counterattacks, with the sole clear Phocaean chance of the half falling to Greenwood, but it was stopped by Alisson. Then came the decisive blows: Rulli scored an own goal, and Gakpo gave the Liverpool victory a wider margin.
Liverpool sit fourth in the regular-season league phase and can approach the final matchday with confidence. As for OM, they must absolutely win away at Bruges, especially knowing that Bruges managed to hold FC Barcelona in their stadium.
Liverpool