This will be the day of decisions in the UEFA Euroa League. After a one goal draw in luz a great game expects Marseilles this afternoon.
A late goal from Ben Arfa gave Marseille the chance to receive the eagles in advantage. We all are aware that away goals are fundamental, so the expectations are at high level to see the stars in the Velodrome pitch later.
Olympique de Marseille is one of the most important French clubs of all times. This historical Club has been Champion of France already ten times, conquered the same number of France Cups. In Europe O. Marseilles was European Champion in 1993.
The Club of Olympique de Marseille was founded in 1899 in the city with the same name located in the famous region of the south of France. The Mediterrean animates the city and gives colour to it. The locals are not very friendly of foreigners but times are changing. In 1924 the first conquer was obtained, the French Cup. This great team achieved the first Championship victory in 1929. After 1986 great success moments took place and victories were obatined with the help of Bernard Tapie. To remember will be the players who played by then, Papin, Waddle, Francescolli, Stojkovic and so many others.
To the Press:
Didier Deschamps
We need to be well organized like we were in Luz. If we defend well for sure it will appear opportunities to our team score. We know that we can’t leave the Benfica players with the ball, because they do have good quality. I think this two teams will make the game like if it was of the Champions league, so we need the public to come to Velodrome to support our team.
Jorge Jesus
Our first objectiv is to win the Portuguese League. But this is another competition and we want to go on through the next round. We know that Marseille scored a goal in Lisbon but we are think we also can score in Velodrome. All my players are well, so let’s try to do even better in Europa League that the team did last year.
Vélodrome Stadium 19.00 (local time) » 60 000 Spectators
Referee: Skomina (Svn)
Olympique de Marseille
A late goal from Ben Arfa gave Marseille the chance to receive the eagles in advantage. We all are aware that away goals are fundamental, so the expectations are at high level to see the stars in the Velodrome pitch later.
Olympique de Marseille is one of the most important French clubs of all times. This historical Club has been Champion of France already ten times, conquered the same number of France Cups. In Europe O. Marseilles was European Champion in 1993.
The Club of Olympique de Marseille was founded in 1899 in the city with the same name located in the famous region of the south of France. The Mediterrean animates the city and gives colour to it. The locals are not very friendly of foreigners but times are changing. In 1924 the first conquer was obtained, the French Cup. This great team achieved the first Championship victory in 1929. After 1986 great success moments took place and victories were obatined with the help of Bernard Tapie. To remember will be the players who played by then, Papin, Waddle, Francescolli, Stojkovic and so many others.
To the Press:
Didier Deschamps
We need to be well organized like we were in Luz. If we defend well for sure it will appear opportunities to our team score. We know that we can’t leave the Benfica players with the ball, because they do have good quality. I think this two teams will make the game like if it was of the Champions league, so we need the public to come to Velodrome to support our team.
Jorge Jesus
Our first objectiv is to win the Portuguese League. But this is another competition and we want to go on through the next round. We know that Marseille scored a goal in Lisbon but we are think we also can score in Velodrome. All my players are well, so let’s try to do even better in Europa League that the team did last year.
Vélodrome Stadium 19.00 (local time) » 60 000 Spectators
Referee: Skomina (Svn)
Olympique de Marseille
Goalkeepers: Mandanda and Andrade;
Defenders: Bonnart, Diawara, Hilton, and Taiwo;
Midfielders: Cissé, Mbia, Be.Cheyrou, Lucho Gonzalez, Abriel, Kaboré, Ben Arfa and Valbuena;
Forwards: Koné, Niang, Morientes and Brandão
Coach: Didier Deschamps.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Defenders: Bonnart, Diawara, Hilton, and Taiwo;
Midfielders: Cissé, Mbia, Be.Cheyrou, Lucho Gonzalez, Abriel, Kaboré, Ben Arfa and Valbuena;
Forwards: Koné, Niang, Morientes and Brandão
Coach: Didier Deschamps.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Goalkeepers: Júlio César, Quim and Moreira;
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, David Luiz, Miguel Vítor and Sidnei;
Midfielders: Airton, Ramires, Ruben Amorim, Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Pablo Aimar, Felipe Menezes, Di María, Fábio Coentrão and Éder Luís;
Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Kardec and Weldon;
Coach: Jorge Jesus.
Benfica independently of winning or loosing the competitions where still is envolved, the Portuguese League, the Europa League and the Liga Cup, is doing one of the best seasons of the last years and most important of that this team enjoys the game. Somepeople say that the Target Bonus implemented in Luz seem to be the secret of this season success. I personnally agree that money makes people wok better not only in soccer but in other activities. Nevertheless, if there is a main reason for this season perfomance, that reason is Jorge Jesus and his dedication to the football team.
