Stormy night, fiery fight: OM must strike down PSG at the Vélodrome

After the frustration in Madrid, Olympique de Marseille has no excuses left. Tonight, against a Paris Saint-Germain weakened by a wave of injuries, it is now or never to break a curse that has lasted more than a decade in the league. The Vélodrome awaits, merciless and fiery. The Marseillais must turn the storm threatening Marseille into a tempest of revolt on the pitch.

The Classique, between a stormy sky and Olympian fervor

There are evenings when history seems to resonate with football. This Sunday, at 9 pm, the kickoff of OM–PSG will take place under a sky darkened by clouds. Météo France is forecasting violent thunderstorms at the exact moment the two teams will step onto the pitch. Close to 90 millimeters of rain could drench the Phocaean city, accompanied by lightning tearing across the Mediterranean sky. Some fear a disrupted encounter, others see it as a sign: nature itself seems to side with the anger and impatience of Olympian fans who once again refuse to give in.

The stadium, however, will not waver. The 65,000 seats at the Vélodrome sold out long ago, and no Parisian supporter will be there to calm the blue and white tide. This symbolic closed-door, where Marseille will roar without contradiction, promises a thunderous atmosphere. In this setting, the match goes beyond mere sporting rivalry: it becomes an act of cultural resistance, almost of identity. For while PSG, reigning European champion, is economically and athletically superior, the Classique remains the one arena where OM can still fight on even terms, carried by faith and passion.

OM between courage and responsibility

Roberto De Zerbi did not mince words after the Madrid defeat. Yes, OM held their ground against Real, took the lead, played eleven against ten, and truly believed in the upset. But in the end, it was yet another loss. And for the Italian coach, there is no satisfaction to be found in defeat, however honorable. “We must play with more courage,” he hammered. More courage, more clarity, more personality.

His message is clear: the time for excuses is over. OM cannot be satisfied with just being the nice surprise or the likable team that “didn’t disgrace itself.” Tonight, they must win, break the cycle of resignation, and show that Marseille can still stand up to the Parisian giant.

De Zerbi has strengths, but also shortcomings. The blow comes in midfield: Geoffrey Kondogbia, out with a calf injury, is unavailable. Hamed Junior Traoré, also injured, will not make the trip. Kondogbia’s absence leaves a gap in the middle, expected to be filled by Angel Gomes alongside Højbjerg. But a bit of good news shines on defense: Nayef Aguerd, the defensive leader, is back after concussion protocol. His experience and solidity are a huge asset to contain Parisian attacks.

In goal, Gerónimo Rulli stands out as a leader. Heroic in Madrid despite conceding two penalties, he reminded everyone that he considers this PSG “the best in history.” But he is not afraid. For him, OM is better prepared than last year, more mature, more complete. Tonight, he is ready to guard the goal like a fortress and set the tone for a revolt that must ignite the team.

Greenwood, the moment of truth

If one player is under the spotlight, it is Mason Greenwood. The Englishman is without a doubt the most talented player in the Marseille squad, but his relationship with big games remains problematic. In last season’s away Classique, he was subbed off at halftime after a performance deemed too passive. De Zerbi himself admitted he hadn’t found the right way to make him responsible.

Since then, Greenwood has alternated between brilliance and disappearing acts. He defends himself, explaining that his body language, sometimes nonchalant, is a ruse meant to fool opponents. But in Marseille, intensity is no joke. And against PSG, there is no room for mind games: you must run, press, fight, and showcase technical genius when chances arise.

De Zerbi has said it: he wants to make him a “complete” player, capable of pressing with fury, defending with sacrifice, and creating with inspiration. Against Real, Greenwood showed progress in this commitment. Tonight, he must confirm it. For himself, for OM, to finally break the curse weighing on the Vélodrome since 2011.

A depleted but dangerous PSG

On the other side, PSG arrives as European champions, but their squad is devastated by injuries. João Neves, the midfield metronome, is absent. Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are also missing. And in a shocking twist, Bradley Barcola, on fire in recent weeks (three goals and one assist in his last two Ligue 1 matches), isn’t even traveling, sidelined by muscle discomfort.

These absences deprive Luis Enrique of many of his offensive weapons. Only Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian dribbler, remains in the starting eleven. Around him, it will be improvisation: Lee Kang-In, Gonçalo Ramos, or Ibrahim Mbaye could be called upon.

Even so, the Spanish coach is not worried. He insists that “anyone can play” in this PSG and that the team’s collective strength remains intact. His goal is clear: “to calm the Vélodrome,” as he told the press. OM’s task is the opposite: to spark the fire and keep the pressure on, minute by minute.

The keys to the match

Tactically, the duel promises to be fascinating. Paris will, as always, seek to impose possession and high pressing from the start. With an average of 75% possession and nearly 840 passes per match, PSG is a ball-hoarding machine. But Neves’ absence weakens this setup. That is where OM must strike. Gomes and Højbjerg need to dominate, break the first pressing line, and feed Greenwood, Weah, or Aubameyang with quality balls.

Another crucial point: set pieces. Paris shows weaknesses in the air, and De Zerbi admitted he worked on this with his staff. With Aguerd, Pavard, Balerdi, and Aubameyang, OM has dangerous weapons on corners. Every free-kick will be a golden chance.

Finally, offensive boldness will be decisive. The Vélodrome is an attacking fortress: 41 goals scored in 2025, the best record among Europe’s Top 5 at home. OM must replicate that efficiency, including from long shots, an area where they already excel.

The curse to break

The numbers weigh heavily:

• OM has not beaten PSG at the Vélodrome in Ligue 1 since November 27, 2011 (3-0).
• That’s 12 consecutive home meetings without victory.
• Worse: no goals scored at home against Paris in the league since 2017.

This drought is an anomaly for a club like OM. And tonight, all conditions seem right to break the curse: a weakened PSG, a blazing Vélodrome, a referee – Jérôme Brisard – the only active one who has officiated a Marseille win against Paris (at the Parc in 2020). History loves its nods.

And then there is Timothy Weah. PSG academy graduate, son of George, goalscorer against Real last Tuesday. More than anyone, he could become the hero of this Classique, just as Lorik Cana was in 2005 against his boyhood club.

Verdict: faith and revolt

So, what can we expect from this Classique? Everything, and above all the unexpected. This match is a constant anomaly, where logic collapses and emotions rule. Paris remains the favorite, of course, but Marseille cannot afford to show up as a victim. Tonight, the Vélodrome demands revolt, demands a battle of warriors.

The ideal scenario is well known: start strong, press high, exploit every set piece, and never let Paris dictate the pace. The rest, Marseille’s faith will take care of.

Our heartfelt prediction? OM to win 2-1 or 3-2. Both teams will score, but this time, the storm will belong to Marseille.