Marseille Secures First Europa League Point with Victory at Bayer Leverkusen
UEFA Europa League, Matchday 4, 05/11/26
Following a successful run of four consecutive wins in Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille stepped onto the pitch at the BayArena on Thursday evening, eager to clinch their first point in the Europa League. Their ambition surged to life early when Amine Gouiri attempted a brilliant solo effort in the 7th minute, but Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken was quick to thwart his attempt.
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Although Marseille began the match slower than their foes, Bayer Leverkusen gradually took control. It wasn’t until the 36th minute that Carles Martinez Novell’s side crafted their first notable chance, a shot by Miguel Gutierrez that hit the crossbar after a deflection from Jeffrey De Lange. Despite this pressure, Marseille managed to display robust defense, heading into halftime still capable of achieving a surprising result.
Gouiri Rewards Marseille’s Effort
Upon returning for the second half, Bayer intensified their pressing, yet Marseille found two shooting chances, first with Igor Paixão (56′) and then through Gouiri (58′). Shortly after, Geoffrey Kondogbia also saw his volley miss the target (64′). After a lull in activity, the match picked up pace in the final fifteen minutes. Starting from his own half, Gouiri outpaced Edmond Tapsoba and executed a stunning shot that found the back of Flekken’s net, scoring the game’s first goal (0-1, 77′).
Gouiri’s goal was well-deserved for Bruno Genesio’s team, who exhibited more incisiveness than their German opponents. Bayer Leverkusen was quick to seek a response to the goal, but it was already too late. For Marseille, this week, culminating in a match against Lens on Sunday, stands as an ideal benchmark for assessing their recent progress, which has been notably significant.
