MATCH REPORT | In Leverkusen, Amine Gouiri stars as Marseille secure first European success of the season

MATCH REPORT | In Leverkusen, Amine Gouiri stars as Marseille secure first European success of the season UEFA Europa League, Matchday 4, 05/11/26 On the back of a run of four consecutive Ligue 1 wins, but still searching for their first point in the Europa League, Olympique de Marseille took to the pitch at the BayArena on Thursday evening determined to finally get off the mark. An ambition that Amine Gouiri brought to life as early as the 7th minute, only to be denied by an alert Mark Flekken following the Algerian’s magnificent solo run. Having made a slower start to the match than their opponents, Bayer Leverkusen finally responded, gradually taking control of the game. However, it wasn’t until the 36th minute that Carles Martinez Novell’s men created their first real chance, following a shot from Miguel Gutierrez that was deflected onto the crossbar by Jeffrey De Lange. Under pressure, Marseille nevertheless put up a strong defensive display and went into the break still in with every chance of pulling off a surprise result. Gouiri rewards Marseille’s effort After the break, whilst Bayer were the more aggressive side in their pressing, Marseille created two shooting opportunities of their own, first through Igor Paixão (56’) and then via Gouiri (58’). A few minutes later, it was Geoffrey Kondogbia’s turn to see his volley fly wide of Flekken’s goal (64’). After a period of more subdued play, the pace picked up again in the final quarter of an hour. Starting from his own half, Gouiri – clearly having a good night – managed to shake off Edmond Tapsoba and curl a magnificent shot into the back of Flekken’s net (0-1, 77′). It was a thoroughly deserved opening goal for Bruno Genesio’s men, who were more incisive than their German counterparts. The latter, stung by the goal, subsequently tried to respond. But it was already too late. For Marseille, this week – which concludes on Sunday at Lens – presented itself as an ideal opportunity to gauge the progress made in recent weeks. And it has to be said that this progress has been significant. GFFN  |  Léo Aschi