Despite dominating from start ot finish, OM was unable to crown their final Champions League group game with win. But the draw still opens the door to the last-32 of the UEFA Cup. Great news which came just hours after the announcement of Santos’ being released on bond.

The Olympians would have liked to quit the Champions League on a high and with a win. Especially considering the backdrop to this special match. This day that everyone awaited with baited breath which turned out so well. But the point for the draw, a point of honour, was enough for everyone. OM still qualify for the UEFA Cup after Liverpool defeated PSV 3-1 in the evenings other match. A qualification which will add a little more joy to the Mirasierra family after the announcement of Santos’ imminent release on bond.
The announcement, made in the afternoon, lifted a huge weight hanging over the match. The tension lifted.

All that remained was the match. Such a decisive match, which had been relegated to a supporting role. The Olympians started well, pressuring their opponents and stifling their rare attempts to construct as well as trying to get forward quickly and at every opportunity. The physical impact was on the Olympian’s camp with an excellent Lorik Cana.
In fact, despite an Aguero counterattack that came to nothing, the Atletico attack bore little resemblance to the free-scoring attack anticipated at the Vél. In fact, Atletico looked at times, all at see against the motivated Marseille players. Even if OM’s domination wasn’t translated into goals.
A set piece almost provided the breakthrough. Such as Zubar’s header which flashed just wide of the post from Ziani’s tenth-minute corner.
To be fair, the Olympians did struggle to exert real pressure on Grégory Coupet’s goa, despite having the upper hand in the battle. Taiwo tried his luck from distance. But the former Lyon ‘keeper was up to the task. Just as he would be from his former teammate Hatem Ben Arfa’s shot midway through the second half.
One must also add that Erik Gerets’ initial attacking formation received a blow within half-an-hour of kick-off when Samassa received a knock and ceded his place to Valbuena which obviously meant a tactical change.
But OM adapted. Determined to get the win and not worry about PSV’s result, OM kept the pressure on, even if their opponents fought back after half-time, without ever really testing Steve Mandanda in the OM goal.
The was the potential to get the win. Like when Valbuena skipped clear of the defence and crossed only for Kaboré to miss the target with two minutes left on the clock. But the players still quit the Vél with their heads held high and the qualification in the pockets and then end of a great day.