PLAYER RATINGS | AEK Athens 0 – 2 Marseille: Les Phocéens reclaim Europa League group’s top spot
UEFA Europa League, Matchday 4, 09/11/23
Following Brighton’s 2-0 away win at Amsterdam, Olympique de Marseille had the opportunity to leapfrog Roberto de Zerbi’s Seagulls and top Group B. Italian manager Gennaro Gattuso had to make do with a depleted squad in Greece with Valentin Rongier, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Azzedine Ounahi all unavailable. Nevertheless, Les Phocéens started with confidence and intent. Portuguese centre-forward Vitinha struggled again to justify his €32m price tag with a bad miss near the penalty spot after some great passing between Marseille players in Athens’ half.
The visitors were swiftly and fairly rewarded. Jonathan Clauss’ superb inswinging corner kick was emphatically met by Chancel Mbemba’s towering header, putting Marseille in front. The Congolese almost made it two with another powerful header, but Georgios Athanasiadis palmed his effort away. Considering the gap in quality between an enterprising Marseille side and a middling AEK team, one could argue that the 1-0 scoreline at half-time flattered the hosts.
It was a completely different game in the second half with AEK Athens deciding it was now time to turn up. Levi Garcia’s point-blank header was denied by an impressive save by Pau Lopez. Gennaro Gattuso’s side effectively gave up control and were inviting pressure from the hosts. Vitinha had himself two clear goal-scoring opportunities to put the game to bed, but he was denied by Athanasiadis and then by the keeper’s right post.
Marseille survived a late onslaught and even made it two in injury time. Jordan Veretout led a counter-attack before laying it on a plate for Ismaïla Sarr to double their lead. Those three vital points should ensure Marseille, at the very least, a berth in
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