PSG finally manages to defeat OM in the Classique, thanks once again to a goal from Ferran Torres.
PSG gradually took control of the match, eventually breaking down Marseille in the second half thanks to the introduction of Ferran Torres. This Classique ended with another Parisian victory (2-1) at the Vélodrome on Sunday, despite a brave but insufficient performance from the Marseillais.
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Marseille had a plan. Before Ferran Torres came on, it worked almost perfectly. The Spaniard, who has made a significant impact at PSG since his arrival this summer, scored his seventh goal in his new colors, unlocking a match in which the Parisians were struggling minute by minute.
Bruno Genesio set up a notably more defensive formation than in recent matches for Marseille. With a clear ambition to defend deep, spurred on by a passionate Vélodrome as in every Classique, they hoped to capitalize on a counter-attack or a Parisian mistake at some point. It was almost a winning gamble. Although PSG generally dominated the first half, holding the ball in the Marseille half without creating much, Genesio's players had a huge chance to open the scoring. Just a poorly weighted pass from Neal Maupay away, Marseille could have taken the lead in the 39th minute.
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Ferran Torres unlocked everything, Marseille lost it all
The match truly opened up in the second half. Paris's dominance became increasingly suffocating, and the capital players created numerous dangerous attempts on Jeffrey de Lange's goal. However, neither Joao Neves's header nor the shots from Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found the back of the net. Patience was required.
Finally, after an hour of play and with Torres on the pitch, the breakthrough came. A cross from Désiré Doué from the left was met with a header from the Spaniard, who opened the scoring in the 66th minute. The Marseillais responded quickly, as Angel Gomes - despite a difficult evening - had a brilliant moment of inspiration to get past Wilian Pacho and equalize against Matveï Safonov (72nd).
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However, the euphoria did not last long. Two minutes later, Marquinhos, who stayed high after a corner, struck the final blow to Marseille (74th), resulting in a final score of 2-1. Paris is truly launching its Ligue 1 season and climbs to 6th place (8 points) after a poor start. Meanwhile, Marseille sinks further, now sitting at 17th place (3 points). In addition to the defeat against their biggest rivals, Marseille lost two players: Igor Paixao left injured, limping, and Timothy Weah will be suspended for one match after receiving a red card. A tough evening.
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