Champions League: OM–Ajax, a perfect night and a landmark win at the Vélodrome

A blazing arena, a liberated OM

The European campaign had to be launched, and OM didn’t flinch. In front of more than 65,000 supporters, the Phocaeans swept Ajax aside with authority. No tension, no doubt: OM played sharp, efficient, ice-cold in front of goal. An evening like we’ve seen far too few of in the past ten years. Liberated—that’s the word: this 4-0 should free the club from its old European demons.

A clinical and pragmatic OM

The first twenty minutes killed off the suspense. High pressing, fast transitions, maximum efficiency: Paixão then Greenwood settled the match before the half hour. The Olympians didn’t overplay: they waited for mistakes, cut through the lines when needed, and punished a fragile Ajax. The result: six shots on target, four goals. Clinical.

Paixão, baptism of fire in the Champions League

Highly anticipated since his arrival, Igor Paixão finally stepped up. In eleven minutes, he scored a brace and delivered an assist. A complete match, symbolizing his complementarity with Aubameyang and Greenwood. His runs, his timing, his composure in front of goal: the Brazilian justified his transfer. Already nicknamed “Mr. Klassiker” for his goals against Ajax, he confirmed he can deliver on the big stage.

Aubameyang, captain and attacking leader

One goal, two assists, and a complete performance from a modern number 9. Dropping deep, pressing, flicks, runs in behind: Aubameyang did it all, captain’s armband on his arm. His goal—a control followed by a surgical strike on a pass from Paixão—symbolizes his intelligence. He too is stepping up, he too embodies this new OM: collective, mature, efficient.

Greenwood and Vermeeren, the revelations

Alongside them, Mason Greenwood finished the night with a goal and a huge defensive workload. Less flamboyant than his teammates, but just as essential in pressing and balance. Behind them, Arthur Vermeeren, starting for the first time in the Champions League at only 20, impressed everyone: 95% pass completion, one assist, huge presence. De Zerbi can smile: here’s a solid double pivot with Højbjerg.

A solid defense, a collective rising

Nayef Aguerd confirmed his role as the boss at the back: clean distribution, depth management, composure. Pavard, less comfortable, struggled at times, but the team’s balance compensated. Emerson Palmieri held down his flank. Most importantly, the team showed a real ability to “live without the ball,” its biggest weakness last season. This time, high pressing and discipline paid off big.

The Vélodrome, catalyst of the evening

Often an overwhelming emotional factor, the Vélodrome lifted OM. De Zerbi had said it: “the start must be strong to get the crowd into the match.” Mission accomplished. From tifos to chants, the stadium was a twelfth man. Since the defeat against Lens, Marseille has been racking up attacking displays at home. Taming the Vélodrome was vital: things are on the right track.

A milestone crossed, but all still to play for

This 4-0 matters. Not just for the points, but for the image: OM finally imposed Champions League authority at the Vélodrome. After the encouraging Bernabéu match and the wins against PSG and Strasbourg, the momentum is clear. The team enjoys playing, and it shows. But the road ahead is tough: Sporting, Atalanta, Newcastle, Liverpool. To aim for the round of 16, they’ll need to build on this foundation and maintain the same intensity.