This Thursday (14), Villarreal was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Europa League by Olympique de Marseille. Despite the 3-1 victory at Estadio de la Ceramica, Submarino Amarelo did not advance in the competition for being beaten 4 x 0 in the first leg by OM, at the Vélodrome. Now, the French await the definition of their next opponent in the tournament, which will be decided via draw by UEFA.
Villarreal almost reversed a historic lead in the Europa League, and there was no shortage of chances to do so. In those typical matches that can be summed up by the saying “this is football”, Olympique de Marseille was under pressure from start to finish, desperate for the referee to end the game immediately. And Submarino Amarelo wanted more time to qualify for the quarterfinals, even if it was just a minute longer. However, OM deserved to advance in the competition.
For those who don’t remember, Olympique de Marseille not only beat Villarreal in France, but also put on a show. The intensity of the first half of the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 resulted in three goals before the break. To make life easier for OM, Submarino Amarelo still played a large part of the final stage with one less, as Alberto Moreno was sent off after seven minutes. Numerical superiority paved the way for 4 x 0.
Vélodrome aside, Villarreal did everything they could to at least take the decision against Olympique de Marseille into extra time. The fans at Ceramica joined in and shouted “sí, se puede” (yes, we can, in Portuguese). However, OM managed to score a saving goal in the last minutes of the game, which was a huge blow for Submarino Amarelo.
Marseille hold on 😤#UEL pic.twitter.com/eHE1xY79Se
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 14, 2024
How was Villarreal vs Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League?
Needing the result, Villarreal adopted the same stance as Olympique de Marseille in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16: taking advantage of the heat in the stands to suffocate the opponent. Without letting OM play, Submarino Amarelo took possession of the ball and went on the attack, so much so that they finished 13 times. The problem is that only three of them scored, and only one found the net: a header from Capoue.
In the 1st half, Olympique de Marseille did what they did: they closed in behind to avoid Villarreal’s reaction. After the break, the script for the 2nd half didn’t change much: attack versus defense. The difference is that the Yellow Submarine calibrated his footing a little more, so much so that he scored two more goals with Sorloth (coming from behind the defense) and Mosquera (taking advantage of a lateral free kick to head in). Obviously, the OM was scared.
One goal away from extra time, Villarreal’s stadium was on fire. On the field, the Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper performed some miracles to prevent the defeat and, consequently, the possible classification of the rival. And in just one move, when Submarino Amarelo’s defense was in disarray, OM scored with Clauss, who took advantage of a free cross inside the penalty area to score.
In the end, Villarreal landed on its feet in the Europa League, gaining morale for the remainder of the season (which only reserves La Liga). On the other hand, Olympique de Marseille was grateful for the fat it created in the round of 16 and is aware that it cannot go through something similar in the next phase of the tournament.
⏱️ 90+6’ | #VillarrealOM 3️⃣-1️⃣
OM lost to Villarreal CF, but our Olympians still validated their ticket for the quarter-finals of@EuropaLeague. pic.twitter.com/5ilgAmndDA
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) March 14, 2024