O. Marseille – Benfica: Pau Lopez dressed as a hero to lead Marseille to the Europa League semi-finals

WithJust when the Gasset effect at the Velodrome seemed to have faded, Marseille were revived thanks to a sensational performance from Pau Lopez and returned to the Europa League semi-finals six years later. The French side have suffered five defeats in a row and had to overcome a 2-1 defeat in the first leg against Benfica to dream of saving their season, but it has been extremely disappointing to date. WITH Goal for Mumbai 10 minutes before the end of the match (1-0)they forced extra time to level the score 2:1, which they brought from Da Luz, and on penalties The Spanish defender stopped the decisive maximum penalty against Antnio Silva. Luis Enrique converted the decisive penalty and finally broke the resistance of Benfica, which was practically saying goodbye to the season. Atalanta is already in the semi-finals.

The Velodrome, as expected, turned into a cauldron a few minutes before kick-off. with the clear goal of becoming Marseille’s number 12 player as he strives for a comeback. The scenario of the fight was completely determined from the first minutes. Benfica, with the outcome of the first match in their favor (2-1), tried to give the ball to Gasset’s team. hoping to wait out the well-defended middle block to mount a counterattack that would swing the score in their favor.

Before reaching 10 minutes of the match, both teams had a clear opportunity to strike fear into the opponent’s body. The French on Ndiaye’s feet with a tame shot that was easily blocked by Trubin, and the Portuguese counterattacked with a static shot from outside Rafa Silva. “Marseille” had difficulty building the game in an aesthetic attack from the first passes. But, as soon as they managed to activate Unahi at the second height, the French gave greater speed to their attacks. Especially on the right flank, where Harit interacted very well with his compatriot throughout the first half.

Little by little, Gasset’s men pumped the field and, thanks to side crosses and strong pressure after losses, began to trap Benfica close to their goal. However, the Portuguese defended the area very well against the powerful strikes of Antnio Silva and Nichols Otamendi. The feeling of dejection was palpable. But Roger Schmidt’s men stood up to the hell of the Velodrome and During the entire first half, they barely missed a goal.

Aubameyang always appears

Gassett knew his team needed to step up their game. if he had wanted to score a goal it would have resulted in a draw, and at half-time he made a rather disappointing substitution. He abandoned Mbemba, who acted as a false right-back, and opted for a much more attacking profile, similar to Michael Murillo. Marcel came out with a knife in his teeth and: Aubameyang’s run down the left flank in the opening game made it clear to Benfica that they were in for absolute hell.

And so it was. Marseille once again sank Benfica with crosses in their own zone. The Portuguese continued to repel the attacks of the Gauls as best they could. However, they also did not defend rebounds in the front of the penalty area and He missed several free throws that were missed by Kondogbia, Harit and Veretou. Benfica, thanks to the changes of Joao Mario and Kkku, managed to hold back the constant attacks of Marseille. He even had a double chance at the feet of Rafa Silva and Di Maria that could have sealed the tie.

However, When Marseille seemed to be at their worst, they managed to open the scoring 10 minutes from time. match to even the score. Aubameyang, who had begun to fall heavily on the left with Mumbai’s arrival, drove spectacularly through the left before cutting into the center of territory that was converted by Mumbai himself, who had the foresight to see Orsnes connect with a superb header at the far post. Signed in the transfer window from Bodo-Glimt last winter, the Senegalese striker scored three goals in 13 appearances for Marseille.

Benfica, who had been suppressed for many minutes, tried to retake the initiative again. accidents on the last leg of the journey. But, With the exception of Kkku’s strike from the front of the penalty area, they hardly bothered Pau Lopez. The Portuguese eventually died in the opponent’s penalty area due to corners, but failed to achieve a goal that would have prevented extra time.

Pau Lopez, man of the night

The “extra” time eventually evened everything out. Marseille, who had been beating Benfica for much of the match, gave the ball to Roger Schmidt’s side trying to counter-attack, knowing the Portuguese did not want to suffer a penalty at the Velodrome. However, Gasset’s team closed ranks and managed to bring the game to a penalty shootout.

It was at this moment, Pau Lopez’s “show” has begun. Benfica, who won the toss, decided to shoot first… but Angel Di Maria smashed the ball into the post. Tuku Correa, Kondogbia and Balerdi did their job by converting the penalty and In the Benfica hall, Pau again stopped Antnio Silva’s shot. Benfica’s young gem emerges from touch. And in the first match, a mistake on his part allowed Aubameyang to reduce the gap and brought Marseille to a draw.

Luis Enrique, who came on in the second half, scored the decisive penalty. does the job of his teammates well and, together with Pau, leads Marseille to the semi-finals of the Europa League. A copy of the competition in which they have not participated since 2018. There They will meet Atalanta., which knocked off Liverpool, one of the main favorites for the title. 10 points off fourth place in Ligue 1, Gasse’s men are clinging to Europe as they try to salvage their season.