Olympiakos aim for a point at the Velodrome, CEPAC under high tension

After the heavy 4-1 defeat suffered on Besiktas' turf, Olympique de Marseille are looking to bounce back by hosting Olympiakos this Thursday at 9 p.m. at the Velodrome, under the lights of CEPAC. The Phocaeans want to claim their first three points in the Europa League.

A difficult start in Europe

On the first matchday, the Marseillais lost 4-1 in Istanbul, leaving the tally at zero points and a goal difference of -3. This performance immediately put Bruno Genesio's side in a delicate position in the standings.

A boost of confidence in the league

In Ligue 1, OM found the road to victory last Sunday by beating Troyes 2-0, after three weeks of international break. This success gave the Phocaeans a confidence boost ahead of the second European fixture.

The support of the crowd at the Velodrome

The Velodrome crowd, known for its hot atmosphere, should back the Marseillais from the first minutes. The supporters hope the stadium's energy will help the team set its tempo and correct the defensive lapses shown at Besiktas.

Marseille fears Greek supporters arriving before OM‑Olympiacos match

Olympiakos, an experienced opponent

Olympiakos, accustomed to European competitions, won the Conference League in 2024 and has a solid European pedigree. The Greek club relies on its experience and tactical discipline to counter Bruno Genesio's plans.

Tactical stakes and pressures

The Greeks are capable of applying strong pressure on the ball carrier and exploiting quick transitions. They will look to exploit the spaces behind the Olympiakos full‑backs, thus testing OM's defensive solidity.

The duel, already marked by several European clashes, including a Champions League group stage in 2020‑2021, represents a crucial test for both sides. The result could determine the Europa League campaign's momentum for the Phocaeans.