UEFA Europa League, Matchday 2, 05/10/2023
Olympique de Marseille let a two-goal lead slip against Brighton & Hove Albion, as João Pedro’s late penalty salvaged a point for the visitors, their first of the UEFA Europa League campaign.
Brighton had plenty of possession in the opening stages, but couldn’t build through the thirds. The ball therefore circulated around the defence, which Marseille were happy to allow. With what little they had of the ball, OM were effective, creating dangerous situations and two notable chances, both of which were finished with aplomb.
Chancel Mbemba finished the first (19′), latching onto Jonathan Clauss’ ball across the box, and just seconds later, Jordan Veretout finished the second (20′). This time it was the lively Amine Harit with the assist. Brighton were almost handed an immediate route back into the tie when the referee was sent to the monitor for a Valentin Rongier handball within the Marseille box. Whilst a penalty had seemingly been signalled, the referee’s original decision of no penalty was upheld.
As the half wore on, Brighton grew into the game and began to create chances. One fell to Ansu Fati, but his header was well saved by Pau Lopez. The Spaniard was called upon again before the end of the half. Danny Welbeck was played through 1-v-1 and had Fati with him. He didn’t elect to use the Barcelona loanee, instead shooting straight at Lopez.
However, there was reason for optimism for Brighton going into half-time, and early in the second half, the deficit was halved. Following a neat interchange involving Tariq Lamptey and Kaoru Mitoma, the latter crossed for Pascal Gross, who was completely marked and kept his composure to finish past Lopez.
Brighton then pushed for the equaliser, and Mitoma, who had been shackled in the first half, was released down the left on multiple occasions, forcing an important save from Lopez on one occasion. Simon Adingra then went close again for Brighton, but Lopez kept them afloat.
However, Brighton would get their goal. Clauss’ clumsy challenge on Lamptey in the box saw Mykola Balakin point to the spot. João Pedro stepped up, sending López the wrong way, and salvaging the draw. Marseille have now drawn the first two games of their Europa League campaign, whilst Brighton salvaged their first point.
Marseille player ratings
Pau López – 8 – made two crucial interventions in the first half, saving from Fati and then Welbeck. With Marseille’s lead reduced to just one goal, he then made crucial saves from Mitoma and Adingra. He also created a big chance for Vitinha in the second half with a perfect piercing long ball. He is often cited as a weak point in this Marseille team, but not tonight.
Michael Murillo – 5
Leonardo Balerdi – 6
Chancel Mbemba – 7
Jonathan Clauss – 4 – as always, very active down the left. His performance showed both why he has earned a France recall, and why he was dropped in the first place. Whilst enthusiastic defensively, he is susceptible to lapses in concentration, and Brighton’s first came from down his wing. He also got turned inside out by Mitoma at one point in the second half – an error that went unpunished. However, the offensive upside is clear to see, and Marseille had plenty of join down the right, particularly in the first half.
Joaquin Correa – 5
Valentin Rongier – 5
Jordan Veretout – 6
Amine Harit – 7
Iliman Ndiaye – 5
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 3 – another anonymous performance from the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona forward. He had been more impressive in European competition thus far this season, however, this performance more mirrored his Ligue 1 form. His inactivity and lack of influence were only further highlighted by an energetic cameo from his replacement, Vitinha.
