On May 3, 2018, Red Bull Salzburg faced Olympique Marseille in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg secured a 2-1 victory on the night, but Marseille advanced to the final with a 3-2 aggregate win, thanks to a dramatic extra-time goal.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Red Bull Salzburg: 2 (Amadou Haidara 53′, Bouna Sarr 65′ (own goal))
- Olympique Marseille: 1 (Rolando 116′)
- Aggregate: 3-2 in favor of Marseille
- Possession:
- Red Bull Salzburg had 54% possession, while Olympique Marseille had 46%. Salzburg’s control of the ball allowed them to push for the goals needed to overturn the first-leg deficit.
- Shots:
- Red Bull Salzburg registered 19 shots, with 6 on target, reflecting their intense pressure and attempts to overturn the aggregate scoreline. Olympique Marseille had 10 shots, with 5 on target, focusing on counter-attacks and set pieces to create opportunities.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Red Bull Salzburg had a passing accuracy of 80%, completing 388 passes out of 485 attempts. Olympique Marseille had a slightly lower passing accuracy of 76%, completing 309 passes out of 408 attempts. Salzburg’s passing helped them maintain pressure, but Marseille’s more direct approach proved effective in crucial moments.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Marseille made 21 tackles compared to Salzburg’s 16, showcasing their defensive resilience in a match where they had to absorb considerable pressure. Salzburg’s defense was solid until the late stages, but they struggled to deal with Marseille’s set-piece threat in extra time.
- Set Pieces:
- The first goal came from Salzburg’s Amadou Haidara, who scored a solo effort in the 53rd minute, dribbling through the Marseille defense and finishing with a low shot. Salzburg’s second goal came in the 65th minute when a cross deflected off Bouna Sarr for an own goal, leveling the aggregate score. The decisive moment came in the 116th minute of extra time when Marseille’s Rolando scored from a Dimitri Payet corner, sending Marseille to the final with a crucial away goal.
- Individual Performances:
- Amadou Haidara was a standout performer for Salzburg, scoring the opening goal and driving his team forward. Duje Ćaleta-Car was solid in defense for Marseille, making key interventions. Dimitri Payet provided the assist for the decisive goal and was central to Marseille’s attacking play. Rolando, who scored the crucial goal in extra time, was the hero for Marseille.
- Tactical Overview:
- Red Bull Salzburg, under Marco Rose, employed a 4-3-1-2 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions to unsettle Marseille. Olympique Marseille, managed by Rudi Garcia, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive organization and counter-attacks. Salzburg’s pressing caused problems for Marseille, but the visitors remained dangerous on set pieces, ultimately deciding the tie.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for Salzburg (André Ramalho 15′, Xaver Schlager 72′) and one for Marseille (Bouna Sarr 58′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at disrupting the opposition’s play and preventing dangerous attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Red Bull Salzburg won 8 corners compared to Marseille’s 6, reflecting their sustained pressure throughout the match. Both teams were caught offside twice, as they attempted to push forward and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Red Bull Salzburg’s 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final was a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the first-leg deficit, as Marseille advanced to the final with a 3-2 aggregate win. Salzburg’s goals from Amadou Haidara and an own goal by Bouna Sarr put them on the brink of a remarkable comeback, but Marseille’s resilience and a late goal from Rolando in extra time secured their place in the final.
Salzburg dominated large portions of the match, applying intense pressure and creating several chances, but Marseille’s experience and set-piece prowess proved decisive. Rolando’s goal from a corner in the 116th minute was the defining moment, breaking Salzburg’s hearts and sending Marseille to their first European final since 2004.
For Marseille, the victory was a testament to their mental toughness and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Dimitri Payet’s influence was crucial, as he provided the assist for the winning goal and led the team’s attacking efforts.
Despite the disappointment, Salzburg’s performance throughout the competition earned them praise, and they left the Europa League with their heads held high, having pushed one of Europe’s historic clubs to the limit. Marseille, on the other hand, advanced to the final with hopes of adding another European trophy to their storied history.
