Surprised by Bilbao, OM sentenced to the feat of return – BBC Sport

Beaten by Athletic Bilbao (0-1) in 16C-finals of the Europa League, OM is further away qualifying. But the club is counting on its good results outside to change the game in the second leg.

“It was balanced, we were in control, the difference was about one minute. “ Michel knows, volley 30 meters from the goal of Aduriz has dampened hopes the Marseille on Thursday night to face Bilbao (0-1 ). Sufficient to substantially remove the Olympians a knockout. Already.

Lack of realism

“Of course we have regrets, even if it takes an exceptional goal, I think a draw would have been fairer” defended Lassana Diarra after the meeting. OM should and could hang for a draw at the Velodrome. In the second half, Barrada is replaced by Florian Thauvin. The former Newcastle shot from the left but found the post. This lack of realism does not forgive in the European Cup. “Defensively, we worked well controlled situations, we did not materialize our situations because of errors in the last 30 meters, we missed address. We dominated the game, but in preparing the attacks, we have made many mistakes, there was too much waste, it could be 0-0, “ analyzed the Spanish technician. Steven Fletcher peak, OM hoped to reinvigorate his attack. The Scot had a good team performance, without being decisive. “It was good, he has participated in the game, a little less in the surface, but he did what I asked.” but dominating is not winning. ” we lacked luck, we tried, we pushed, we made a good start to the match and it was a little bit of less that costs us “, trying Nicolas N’Koulou.

12% chance of passing

This season, OM defies statistics. 18 ^th home team in L1, 3 ^th outside, the men of Michel scored only 3 goals in the Europa League at the Velodrome (2 wins, 2 losses) against 9 out of their base (2 wins, 1 loss). And that the Spanish technician knows that better than anyone. “The Athletic lead 1-0, but we are a team that plays well on the outside.” Author of good input, Florian Thauvin remains confident. “We’ll have to give everything out there to qualify. It will take a few goals against Saint-Etienne to straighten up and regain confidence. The return will be difficult, but in football everything is possible and if we win we will win. “ Same story with Lassana Diarra. “We still have a match, we’ll go there without complex to win at home. The atmosphere is warm, but it is only a stage, we will be there on a mission. “ However, only 12% of the teams qualified after a 0-1 defeat in the first leg in Cup Europe since 1970-1971. The Marseillais are doomed to create the feat next Thursday at San Mames if they want to see the 8th.