Marseille welcomes Ajax back to the Champions League
The return of the Champions League to Marseille is the headline as the Olympique de Marseille host Ajax Amsterdam on Day 2 of the group stage. After a two-season hiatus from Europe’s premier club competition, Marseille banks on a fresh start and a home crowd ready to relive the club’s glory nights in the competition. Their last foray ended with a heavy note in 2013-2014 when a six-match group phase yielded zero points; a chastening memory they hope to erase with a positive result against Ajax.
Why this match matters
Victory at the Stade Vélodrome would send a clear message: Marseille intends to compete at the highest level this season. The club has just celebrated a domestic milestone, ending a 14-year wait for a win over Paris Saint-Germain, and now faces a European rival eager to prove itself. On paper, the clash pits Marseille’s ambition against Ajax’s tradition of nurturing young talents and playing proactive football, setting the stage for a compelling duel under the lights in Marseille.
Venue, kick-off, and broadcast details
The scene is the Stade Vélodrome, renowned for its cauldron-like atmosphere when European nights arrive. The kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 local time. Viewers can tune in to Canal+ Foot to follow the action live, with both teams seeking a foothold early in the group stage.
Team news and lineups
Olympique de Marseille: Rulli; Medina, Pavard, Aguerd, Emerson; Vermeeren, O’Riley, Nadir; Greenwood, Paixao, Aubameyang (capt.). Coach: Roberto De Zerbi.
Ajax Amsterdam: Jaros; Lucas Rosa, Sutalo, Itakura, Wijndal; Klaassen (capt.), Taylor, Regeer, Gloukh; Godts, Berghuis. Coach: John Heitinga.
Tactical snapshot
Marseille is expected to line up in a traditional 4-3-3, prioritizing compactness in midfield and speed on the flanks. Rulli, protected by a back four featuring Pavard and Emerson, will be tasked with organizing Marseille’s defense and starting attacks with decisive distribution. In midfield, Vermeeren’s energy and O’Riley’s vision could drive transitions, while Aubameyang leads the line with Greenwood and Paixao providing width and support.
Ajax, under Heitinga, is likely to push a similar 4-3-3, with Klaassen anchoring the midfield alongside agile ball carriers. Gloukh’s creativity and Berghuis’s playmaking will be the key to unlocking Marseille’s defensive setup, while Godts can stretch play and create chances from the right flank. The duel between these midfields promises a technical battle as both sides seek control of the pace and space during the 90 minutes.
What to watch for
- Midfield battles: Vermeeren and O’Riley versus Klaassen and Taylor will be crucial in dictating tempo and transitions.
- Aubameyang’s experience: The captain leads by example, with Greenwood and Paixao offering thrust on the wings and cutting inside to finish chances.
- Youthful flair vs. seasonedcraft: Ajax’s Gloukh and Godts bring youthful enthusiasm, while Marseille relies on a mix of veteran leadership and fresh energy from their lineup.
A light-hearted aside
And for those wondering what won’t be on the agenda: termites, despite rumors, are not part of the tactical discussion—though their imaginary green thumbs would certainly spice up any pre-match briefing.
Outlook
As Marseille re-enters Europe’s premier competition, the challenge against Ajax is an early statement of intent. A positive result would reinforce the club’s ambition and set a confident tone for the campaign, while Ajax will aim to demonstrate the continuity of its rising-talents model. Fans on both sides can expect a technically rich, hard-fought night at the Vélodrome, where the crowd’s energy could tip the balance in favor of the home side.
