O Olympique de Marseille is a semi-finalist in Europa League! After winning the Benfica 1-0 in regulation time, the French team won the penalty shootout 4-2, this Thursday (18) and secured their place among the four best clubs in the competition.
The first game, played in Portugal, ended with Benfica winning 2-1. The goals were scored by Rafa Silva and Ángel Di María. Aubameyang, the Europa League’s top scorer with 10 goals, scored the goal of honor for the French.
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Olympique is looking for a place in the grand final, which will be played on May 22nd, in the Republic of Ireland. In the semi-final the French will face Atalantawhich in the aggregate score surpassed the Liverpool.
Benfica started the game by imposing a strong marking power on Olympique Marseille’s defense, which made it very difficult for the French to pass the ball and create. In the 7th minute, Marseille had a great opportunity with Ndiaye, who finished from inside the area. Goalkeeper Trubin made a good intervention in the move.
The first chance for red happened at 15 minutes with Brazilian participation. David Neres, on the way down the left, crossed low and Rafa Silva arrived with a three-finger shot, but over the goal! You red They retreated and the French team pressed hard in search of the first goal.
Aubameyang and Ounahi were Olympique de Marseille’s best players in the first half.
In the second stage, the home team returned to “all or nothing”, however, they found Benfica well behind and betting on counterattacks. In the 11th minute, Kondogbia, at the edge of the area, managed to keep the ball and hit hard, putting the Portuguese team’s goal in danger. From a free kick, in the 16th minute, Gigot headed dangerously over the goal. The strategy put together by coach Roger Schmidt almost had an effect for the red. In the 28th minute Rafa Silva, already inside the area, shot into the left corner, López saved and, on the rebound, Di María shot on the ground and the goalkeeper saved the French.
After a lot of pressure, Marseille were rewarded. Aubameyang, with the long pass, received the ball, went to the baseline and crossed for Moumbanga to arrive with a strong header, on the ground, to beat Trubin and open the score, tying on aggregate!
In extra time, despite natural fatigue, both teams created clear scoring chances. At 7 minutes into the first half, Di María received a cross in the area and forced Pau López to make a great save. Almost immediately, three minutes later, after a long throw, Aubameyang tried to cover Trubin, but the ball went out.
The score, however, was no longer exciting, with the decision going to penalties. From the first kick, Di María hit the post, and the French took the lead. In the final stretch, António Silva was one more to lose, and the formerBotafogo Luis Henrique scored to seal classification.
Benfica’s next games
Olympique de Marseille’s next games
David Neres in action for Benfica against Olympique de Marseille SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images