On May 30, 2009, Olympique Marseille faced Rennes in the final match of the 2008-2009 Ligue 1 season at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. The match ended in a 4-0 victory for Marseille, securing them second place in the league and ensuring their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Olympique Marseille: 4 (Bakari Koné 6′, Benoît Cheyrou 11′, Mamadou Niang 52′, Boudewijn Zenden 88′)
- Rennes: 0
- Possession:
- Olympique Marseille dominated possession with 58%, while Rennes had 42%. Marseille’s control of the game allowed them to dictate the tempo and create numerous scoring opportunities.
- Shots:
- Olympique Marseille registered 16 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their attacking prowess and efficiency in front of goal. Rennes managed 9 shots, with only 2 on target, struggling to break through Marseille’s strong defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Olympique Marseille had a high passing accuracy of 85%, completing 436 passes out of 514 attempts. Rennes had a passing accuracy of 78%, completing 287 passes out of 369 attempts. Marseille’s ability to retain and circulate the ball effectively allowed them to control the match and break down Rennes’ defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Marseille made 15 tackles compared to Rennes’ 18, reflecting Rennes’ attempts to disrupt Marseille’s rhythm and regain possession. However, Marseille’s defense, led by Souleymane Diawara and Vitorino Hilton, was solid, limiting Rennes to few clear chances.
- Set Pieces:
- Marseille’s goals came from a mix of open play and set-piece situations. Bakari Koné opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a well-taken goal after a quick counter-attack. Benoît Cheyrou doubled the lead five minutes later with a powerful shot from outside the box. In the second half, Mamadou Niang added a third goal with a clinical finish, and Boudewijn Zenden capped off the victory with a late strike following a corner.
- Individual Performances:
- Bakari Koné was a standout performer, scoring the opening goal and consistently threatening Rennes’ defense. Mamadou Niang was also instrumental, scoring the third goal and providing an assist. Benoît Cheyrou controlled the midfield, dictating the pace of the game and scoring a long-range effort. For Rennes, their key players were largely kept quiet by Marseille’s dominant performance.
- Tactical Overview:
- Olympique Marseille, under the management of Eric Gerets, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on quick transitions, width, and aggressive pressing. Rennes, managed by Guy Lacombe, used a 4-4-2 formation but struggled to maintain possession and create chances against Marseille’s high-intensity play. Marseille’s tactics overwhelmed Rennes, leading to a one-sided contest.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Rennes (Carlos Bocanegra 28′, Jérôme Leroy 60′). These fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up Marseille’s play and preventing further damage.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Olympique Marseille won 8 corners compared to Rennes’ 4, reflecting their territorial dominance throughout the match. Both teams were caught offside twice, showing their attempts to push the defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Olympique Marseille’s 4-0 victory over Rennes at the Stade Vélodrome was a commanding performance that secured them second place in Ligue 1 and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The match was a celebration for Marseille fans, as their team delivered a dominant display to close out the season on a high note.
Bakari Koné opened the scoring early, setting the tone for the match. Benoît Cheyrou quickly added a second goal, giving Marseille a comfortable lead. In the second half, Mamadou Niang’s goal further extended the advantage, and Boudewijn Zenden’s late strike put the finishing touch on an impressive performance.
Rennes struggled to cope with Marseille’s intensity and quality, managing only a few clear chances throughout the game. Marseille’s defense was solid, and their attacking play was fluid and effective, resulting in a comprehensive victory.
The result capped off a successful season for Marseille, who finished as runners-up in Ligue 1, just behind champions Bordeaux. The victory also ensured their place in the next season’s UEFA Champions League, providing a platform for the club to build on in European competition. For Rennes, the defeat was a disappointing end to the season, but they remained competitive throughout the campaign.
