Europa League Grudge Match Gets a Champions League Upgrade
The Stade Vélodrome is set for a fiery encounter as Marseille and Atalanta rekindle a rivalry born in last season's Europa League semi-finals. This time, the stakes are even higher in the Champions League, and for Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, it’s a chance for redemption against his personal nemesis.
The memories of that semi-final are still fresh. After a 1-1 draw in Marseille, Atalanta delivered a stunning 3-0 masterclass in Italy to win 4-1 on aggregate. For De Zerbi, the matchup is particularly painful; he has lost seven of his nine career meetings with Atalanta, his joint-most defeats against any opponent.
However, the French side are a formidable force at home. They are unbeaten in their last eight European games at the Vélodrome (W6 D2) and are looking to extend that run to nine for the first time this century. Interestingly, despite having two losses this season, Marseille has spent just 9% of their match time in a losing position—the lowest of any team with multiple defeats—suggesting they are often competitive before succumbing to key moments.
Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, have been a model of consistency in the Champions League. They’ve lost only two of their last 11 group/league phase games and have kept six clean sheets in that period. They are a team that creates and allows chances, as seen on MD3 when their 0-0 draw with Slavia Prague featured 38 total shots—the most ever recorded in a goalless UCL match.
The Men for the Occasion:
Igor Paixão: The Marseille forward has been a revelation, scoring three of his team’s goals this season. He’s on the cusp of joining an elite group of scorers for the club, with only Didier Drogba and Alen Boksic having scored more in a single UCL campaign.
Charles De Ketelaere: The Atalanta playmaker is a creative hub, having created six chances in a single game twice for the club—a unique feat in their Champions League history.
This is a tactical duel between De Zerbi’s need to solve the Atalanta puzzle and Gasperini’s well-drilled, energetic side that seems to have his number. Will Marseille’s home strength and Paixão’s firepower be enough to secure a vital victory, or will Atalanta’s European solidity and psychological hold prevail once again?
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