Match overview
When the Champions League returns to Marseille, Olympique de Marseille (OM) hosts Ajax Amsterdam at the Stade Vélodrome for the second matchday of the group stage. After a setback at Real Madrid in their opener, the Phocéens are eager to show they can compete for the top spots again and erase memories of past stumbling blocks in Europe. Marseille’s fans hope the night marks a positive step as they re-enter the continent’s premier club competition after two seasons away.
Kickoff details
Kick-off is at 21:00 local time. The game will be broadcast on Canal+ Foot. The Stade Vélodrome recently celebrated a long-awaited home win streak against Paris Saint-Germain, heightening anticipation for this high-stakes clash with Ajax.
Broadcast and live presence
Reporter Oscar Korbosli, freshly back from covering the World Championships in cycling in Rwanda, anchors the live coverage from the Austerlitz end of the stadium, alongside two reliable left-back voices, Alexandre Lemarié and Valentin Moinard, delivering insights from the Marseille kop.
Team lineups
Olympique de Marseille
Rulli – Medina, Pavard, Aguerd, Emerson – Vermeeren, O’Riley, Nadir – Greenwood, Paixao, Aubameyang (captain)
Coach: Roberto De Zerbi
Ajax Amsterdam
Jaros – Lucas Rosa, Sutalo, Itakura, Wijndal – Klaassen (captain), Taylor, Regeer, Gloukh – Godts, Berghuis
Coach: John Heitinga
Key storylines
Marseille returns to Europe’s elite competition after two seasons away, aiming to silence lingering doubts from recent campaigns. The home side will lean on Aubameyang’s experience and the dynamism of the younger midfielders to unlock Ajax’s defense. Ajax, with a blend of youth and veteran leadership, will look for Gloukh’s creativity and Berghuis’s decisive moments to destabilize OM’s back line.
Referee and broadcast details
English referee Anthony Taylor will oversee the proceedings, ensuring a competitive and fair contest. For fans at home and in the stadium, live updates and commentary will keep pace with every moment of action on the pitch.
Bottom line
As the Champions League returns to Marseille, this fixture tests both clubs’ ambitions for the group. Will the home crowd witness a timely statement win, or can Ajax carve out a strong result away from home? The answer will unfold over 90 minutes of high-stakes European football. And as a light aside popular among fans, it’s best to leave the termites out of the post-match chatter—today’s focus is football and the drama of the group stage.
