Liverpool vs OM: Match Ratings Revealed

In a crucial Champions League match, Olympique de Marseille faced Liverpool at the Vélodrome, a game that held significance for both teams. Marseille entered the match struggling, sitting sixteenth in the table. Following disappointing performances from fellow French teams Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco, the stakes were high for the Phocéens to regain national pride.

Liverpool vs OM: Match Overview

Under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille aimed to secure a vital victory without key players Aguerd and Emerson. The lineup featured a 3-4-3 formation with Rulli, Pavard, Balerdi, Medina, Murillo, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Weah, Greenwood, Gouiri, and Traoré. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, welcomed back Mohamed Salah, who marked his return from injury.

Match Progression

The match began with Marseille displaying intent, pushing hard against the visiting Reds. However, their efforts often led to risky plays, notably from Balerdi, which failed to capitalize on Liverpool’s hesitations. Liverpool’s Mac Allister was the first to threaten with an attempt on goal, followed by an offside goal from Ekitiké.

Marseille’s only real chance in the opening half came from Gouiri, whose shot was saved by Alisson. After failing to convert opportunities, Marseille found themselves punished. A foul by Balerdi led to a cleverly executed free-kick by Szoboszlai, which resulted in the opening goal for Liverpool just before halftime (0-1, 45).

Second Half Dynamics

After the break, Marseille sought to assert pressure and nearly equalized through a dangerous run by Greenwood that tested Alisson. Liverpool, however, remained composed and leveraged their defensive structure to capitalize on mistakes. Following a well-placed cross from Frimpong, Marseille’s Rulli inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, extending Liverpool’s lead to 0-2.

Despite substitutions, including the introduction of Aubameyang and Paixão, Marseille couldn’t turn the tide. Liverpool maintained control, and Gakpo sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time (0-3, 93).

Post-Match Analysis

As a result of the loss, Marseille fell to nineteenth in the standings, while Liverpool climbed to fourth. The defeat left Marseille needing a strong performance in their upcoming match against Club Bruges to maintain hopes for qualification to the knockout stage.

Player Ratings

• OM: Rulli (4), Pavard (3), Balerdi (4), Medina (4.5), Murillo (5), Hojbjerg (4.5), Kondogbia (5.5), Weah (3.5), Greenwood (6), Gouiri (4), Traoré (4.5).
• Liverpool: Alisson (6), Kerkez (6), Van Dijk (7), Gomez (6), Frimpong (7), Gravenberch (6.5), Mac Allister (6), Szoboszlai (7), Wirtz (6.5), Salah (5), Ekitiké (7.5).

This match highlighted the challenges faced by Marseille, while Liverpool demonstrated their ability to capitalize on critical moments, focusing on key players like Szoboszlai and Gakpo, who were pivotal to securing the win.