OM qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Cup after a penalty shoot-out. Marseille will be at home to Ajax on the 12th of March.
Right to the end of the night, the suspense lingered. OM did it. The chances were slim, history gave them a 10% chance, no more. And in the OM legend, there was no trace of a qualification won away from home after a loss in the first leg of a match.
On Thursday night, Erik Gerets’s men changed all of that by winning their ticket to the next round of the UEFA Cup on penalties, after having evened the match through a magical Ben Arfa free-kick (25’).
Hilton was rapidly replaced by Zubar.
M'Bami then Koné brought fresh legs to the game during extra time.
The first side to score would raise notably their chance of qualification. The former OL player, making his first start of 2009, made the difference from a 35 metre free-kick. His left foot effort crashed into one post, then hit the other before finishing up in the back of the net.
It has to be said that OM, beforehand, had clearly shown how the game was going to play out, replying to the physical challenge in a totally different manner than in the first leg, with solid arguments. Even if the number of cards piled up, without any nasty challenges it must be noted.
The first half performance was very good, with wave after golden wave (OM played in the third strip) going and coming from the Dutch camp.
By continuing to play in the same manner, a second, qualifying, goal seemed well within the reach of Lorik Cana and his team-mates. The half time pause came along too soon and broke up OM’s attacking verve. And the clouds (it rained throughout the match) grow darker and darker after the break. Twente opened up the game a little more, through obligation, with OM dropping back a little too much because of this extra pressure.
Despite two good chances for Ben Arfa and Cheyrou, the 0-2 appeared mess and less certain. A 1-1 score line became increasingly possible. But, Mandanda saved OM by first saving from Arnautovic, then pushing the same players second effort out for a corner (55’).
Extra time was played out in the same style. First of all OM dominated, Twente then taking over the mantle. A reflex header from Hersie after a cross from Arnautovic causing a few cold shivers for the OM camp (115’).
Penalties would decide what regular time was unable to do, with an exciting series of efforts. Ziani, with a chance of finishing the tie, was unable to hit the target with OM 4-3 up, and Mandanda then only able to get a finger to the effort from Tioté which made the game all square. Marseille kept their nerves in check, using their experience as well. Their hosts had never taken part in a penalty shoot-out in their European history. This would be a tough first time for them. M’Bami scored. 7-6. Rajkovic missed. Marseille would continue their European adventure against an old foe, Ajax of Amsterdam.
Laurent Oreggia
Photos : Yannick Parienti
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