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Analysis of the match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool
Both Marseille and Liverpool head into this clash with the shared objective of securing a direct ticket to the Champions League 2025/26 round of 16. As a result, the midweek showdown at the Vélodrome carries decisive significance and could shape the fate of both teams in the league phase. While Marseille are aiming for a third consecutive victory in European competition, Liverpool are looking to quickly regain stability after recent setbacks in domestic football.
Ahead of welcoming Liverpool, the French port-city side are enjoying impressive form. Marseille are unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions (counting only regulation time), including two consecutive wins in which they scored 14 goals and conceded just twice. OM’s attacking line has been firing on all cylinders, with standout contributions from Mason Greenwood (5 goals, 2 assists), Paixão (3 goals) and Amine Gouiri (3 goals, 3 assists). These players are also expected to be key figures against the challenge posed by Liverpool.
On the other hand, Liverpool recently received a significant morale boost in the Champions League. Despite being considered underdogs, the reigning Premier League champions pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory over Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a decisive penalty. That win allowed the Merseyside club to close in on the top eight of the Champions League 2025/26 league-phase standings.
At present, Liverpool are level on points and goal difference with Atlético Madrid, but sit just outside the top eight due to having scored fewer goals. With both Real Madrid and Inter also on 12 points, a win against Marseille would greatly enhance Liverpool’s chances of qualifying directly for the knockout stage.
However, that ambition will not be easy to realise against a Marseille side boasting a potent attacking unit. Under the guidance of head coach Roberto De Zerbi, OM have been playing with great energy since the start of 2026 and are determined to clip the wings of the Merseyside giants, thereby evening out the head-to-head record between the two teams — currently standing at three wins for Liverpool, two for Marseille and one draw after six meetings.
