On October 17, 2020, Olympique Marseille faced Bordeaux in a Ligue 1 match at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Marseille secured a comprehensive 3-1 victory, with a dominant performance that saw them take control early and maintain their lead throughout the match.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Olympique Marseille: 3 (Florian Thauvin 5′, Jordan Amavi 54′, Pablo 64′ (own goal))
- Bordeaux: 1 (Josh Maja 83′)
- Possession:
- Olympique Marseille had 52% possession, while Bordeaux had 48%. The possession was relatively balanced, but Marseille’s efficiency in the final third allowed them to capitalize on their opportunities and take a decisive lead.
- Shots:
- Olympique Marseille registered 11 shots, with 6 on target, reflecting their attacking intent and clinical finishing. Bordeaux managed 10 shots, with 3 on target, but they struggled to break down Marseille’s defense until late in the game.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Olympique Marseille had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 433 passes out of 527 attempts. Bordeaux had a passing accuracy of 81%, completing 390 passes out of 481 attempts. Both teams displayed a good level of ball retention, but Marseille’s superior creativity in attack made the difference.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Marseille made 18 tackles compared to Bordeaux’s 14, highlighting their determination to regain possession and disrupt Bordeaux’s play. Marseille’s defense, led by Álvaro González and Duje Ćaleta-Car, was solid, limiting Bordeaux to few clear chances.
- Set Pieces:
- Marseille’s goals came from a mix of open play and set-piece situations. Florian Thauvin opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a powerful header after a cross from Dimitri Payet. Jordan Amavi added the second goal with a header from a corner in the 54th minute. The third goal came from an own goal by Bordeaux’s Pablo, who deflected a cross into his own net. Bordeaux’s consolation goal was scored by Josh Maja in the 83rd minute, finishing from close range after a well-worked move.
- Individual Performances:
- Florian Thauvin was the standout player for Marseille, scoring the opening goal and providing constant threat on the right wing. Jordan Amavi also had an excellent game, not only scoring the second goal but also contributing defensively. Dimitri Payet was instrumental in creating chances for his teammates. For Bordeaux, Josh Maja was a bright spot, scoring their only goal, but he lacked sufficient support from his teammates.
- Tactical Overview:
- Olympique Marseille, under André Villas-Boas, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and utilizing the width to create chances. Bordeaux, managed by Jean-Louis Gasset, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, but struggled to impose themselves, particularly in the attacking third. Marseille’s tactical approach allowed them to dominate key areas of the pitch and take advantage of set-piece opportunities.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for Bordeaux (Toma Bašić 29′, Pablo 75′) and one for Marseille (Duje Ćaleta-Car 70′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing dangerous attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Olympique Marseille won 7 corners compared to Bordeaux’s 5, reflecting their territorial advantage and pressure in the attacking third. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to stretch the opposition’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Olympique Marseille’s 3-1 victory over Bordeaux at the Stade Vélodrome was a well-deserved win, as they delivered a strong performance both offensively and defensively. Marseille took an early lead through Florian Thauvin’s header and continued to control the game, with Jordan Amavi extending the lead after halftime. A third goal, courtesy of an own goal by Bordeaux’s Pablo, effectively sealed the match before Bordeaux managed a late consolation goal from Josh Maja.
Marseille’s tactical discipline, combined with their ability to capitalize on set pieces and maintain defensive solidity, was key to their success. The victory helped Marseille maintain their push for a top position in Ligue 1, while Bordeaux’s lack of cutting edge in attack and defensive lapses cost them dearly in this encounter.
The match highlighted Marseille’s ability to perform in crucial moments and maintain their composure under pressure, as well as the importance of set pieces in securing victories in tight contests. For Bordeaux, the defeat underscored the need for greater attacking support and defensive organization if they are to compete at the top end of the table.
