On November 3, 2010, Olympique Marseille faced MŠK Žilina in a UEFA Champions League Group F match at the Štadión pod Dubňom in Žilina, Slovakia. Marseille delivered a dominant performance, securing a 7-0 victory, one of their most comprehensive wins in European competition.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Žilina: 0
- Olympique Marseille: 7 (André-Pierre Gignac 12′, 21′, 54′, Gabriel Heinze 24′, Loïc Rémy 36′, Lucho González 52′, 63′)
- Possession:
- Olympique Marseille controlled the game with 63% possession, while Žilina had 37%. Marseille’s dominance in possession allowed them to dictate the pace and create numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.
- Shots:
- Olympique Marseille registered 16 shots, with 12 on target, reflecting their clinical finishing and relentless pressure on the Žilina defense. Žilina managed 9 shots, with 3 on target, but they were unable to seriously threaten Marseille’s goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Olympique Marseille had a high passing accuracy of 87%, completing 570 passes out of 657 attempts. Žilina’s passing accuracy was 75%, completing 262 passes out of 349 attempts. Marseille’s superior passing and control of the midfield were key factors in their dominance.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Marseille made 13 tackles compared to Žilina’s 17, indicating Žilina’s attempts to regain possession and stop Marseille’s attacks. However, Marseille’s defense, led by Souleymane Diawara and Gabriel Heinze, was solid throughout, preventing Žilina from finding any real openings.
- Set Pieces:
- Marseille’s goals came from a mix of open play and set pieces. André-Pierre Gignac scored a hat-trick, with his goals coming from well-worked moves and a precise finish. Gabriel Heinze added a goal from a corner, heading in to make it 3-0. Lucho González scored twice, including a goal from a direct free-kick, and Loïc Rémy also got on the scoresheet with a composed finish. Marseille’s variety in attacking play overwhelmed Žilina’s defense.
- Individual Performances:
- André-Pierre Gignac was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick and providing constant threat throughout the match. Lucho González was instrumental in midfield, scoring twice and orchestrating much of Marseille’s attacking play. Gabriel Heinze’s goal and defensive contribution were also crucial. For Žilina, there were few standout performances as they struggled to cope with Marseille’s intensity and quality.
- Tactical Overview:
- Olympique Marseille, under Didier Deschamps, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on quick transitions, width, and pressing high up the pitch. Žilina, managed by Pavel Hapal, used a 4-4-2 formation but struggled to maintain possession and defend against Marseille’s fluid attacking moves. Marseille’s tactics were spot-on, allowing them to dominate in all areas of the pitch.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team. Žilina’s Tomáš Majtán and Marseille’s Souleymane Diawara were booked for tactical fouls aimed at disrupting play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Olympique Marseille won 8 corners compared to Žilina’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage and sustained pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to stretch the opposition’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Olympique Marseille’s 7-0 victory over Žilina at the Štadión pod Dubňom was a dominant display of attacking football that showcased the French side’s quality and depth in European competition. The win was one of the most lopsided results in the UEFA Champions League that season, as Marseille completely outclassed their Slovakian opponents.
André-Pierre Gignac was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick and leading the line with power and precision. Lucho González and Gabriel Heinze also played crucial roles, with Lucho adding two goals and Heinze contributing both defensively and offensively. Loïc Rémy’s goal further demonstrated Marseille’s attacking options.
Žilina, despite their efforts, were unable to cope with the intensity and quality of Marseille’s play. The defeat left them without a point in the group stage, while Marseille’s victory bolstered their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
The match highlighted Marseille’s attacking prowess and tactical discipline, with Didier Deschamps’ side executing their game plan to perfection. It was a memorable night for Marseille, as they secured one of their largest victories in European competition.
