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1st Team

Salzburg - OM | In the FINAL!

Posted by
OM.net
On Friday 4 May 2018 at 07:43

Olympique de Marseille have qualified for the UEFA Europa League final after beating FC Salzburg in extra-time following a nervy and crazy second half against the Austrian champions. Rolando's 116th minute away goal put OM ahead 3-2 on aggregate, with the final score on the night being 2-1.

Rudi Garcia made just the one change from last week's first leg, as Valere Germain came on for Kostas Mitroglou in Austria. With a two goal lead gained seven days ago, OM had to more or less frustrate Marco Rose's side to have any hope of making the final.

And the first 45 minutes went largely to plan for the visitors, as Salzburg struggled to really trouble Yohann Pele in the Marseille goal. Munas Dabbur seemed to have an off night, while the lively Xaver Schlager and Valon Berisha were nullified expertly by an OM defence who had begun to focus more on protecting the lead rather than extending it.

In the second half however, things had changed as Salzburg rode a wave of fervent support inside the Stadion Salzburg. They got the breakthrough after 53 minutes as Amadou Haidara capitalised on some poor defending to put the Austrians ahead.

Schlager, with the help of Bouna Sarr doubled Salzburg's advantage, and completely wiped out OM's lead just 13 minutes later as the final looked to be slipping away from Rudi Garcia's men.

OM suffered completely in the last 20 minutes, having Yohann Pelé to thank for numerous world-class saves to keep the tie towards extra-time. 

And with penalties looming, up stepped substitute Rolando to volley home neatly from a corner past Alex Walke to gift OM the prized away goal and a place in the showpiece on May 16.

OM have made it, and suffered in the process. But we will face Atletico Madrid, winner of the other semi-final against Arsenal in Lyon in 13 days time.