Marseille defeated Benfica 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw to advance to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. The hosts dominated the match, coming back from a 2-1 deficit, and finally broke through with a goal from substitute Faris Moumbagna to level the tie. The game went into extra time before penalties decided the winner, with Marseille coming out on top. They will now face Atalanta in the next round.
Benfica’s solid defense had given them hope of advancing to the next round and potentially winning the Uefa Cup trophy. However, their defensive tactics ultimately led to Marseille’s dominance in the second half, resulting in a crucial goal for the hosts. While Benfica had shown quality in the final third in previous matches, their emphasis on playing for a goalless draw backfired. Coach Roger Schmidt will likely face questions about his team’s defensive approach in the coming days.
Jordan Veretout was named the Player of the Match for Marseille, playing a key role in maintaining the team’s intensity throughout the game. Despite struggling to find a breakthrough, Veretout provided five key passes and helped set up the equalizer with a fantastic cross. He and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were instrumental in guiding their younger teammates to victory. Marseille’s solid performance was also reflected in their player ratings, with several standouts contributing to the win.
The match featured several key moments, including missed chances from both teams and fine saves from Marseille’s Pau Lopez. Substitutes made an impact as Moumbagna scored the crucial goal for Marseille, while Antonio Silva was denied by Lopez on his penalty kick. Marseille’s victory marks their third appearance in the final of the Europa League, as they aim to win the competition for the first time. Their next challenge will be against Atalanta in the semi-finals.
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