The highly anticipated Classic match between OM and PSG takes place this Sunday at the Velodrome, kicking off at 8:45 PM and broadcasted by DAZN. Both teams are currently at the top of Ligue 1, with Paris leading slightly ahead of Marseille. This match presents a unique opportunity for OM, bolstered by new talent and a strong coach. Furthermore, fans will be absent from the stands due to security concerns, adding to the tension of this fierce rivalry.
This Sunday marks a highly anticipated matchup as OM faces PSG at the Velodrome for the concluding match of Ligue 1’s ninth round, set to kick off at 8:45 PM. Fans can watch the game live on DAZN and follow live commentary on our site.
Why is This Clash So Anticipated?
There’s plenty of excitement surrounding this Classique, mainly because both teams are competing at the top end of the Ligue 1 table. Prior to this matchday, Paris was leading the league, tied on points with AS Monaco and three points ahead of Marseille in third place. A win for Marseille could narrow the gap considerably. Apart from the standings, this 108th Classic feels more open than ever. Surprisingly, despite lacking a European Cup and limited resources, OM has made some impressive signings during the transfer window (including Rabiot, Hojberg, and Greenwood) and secured a highly-rated coach, Roberto De Zerbi. While Marseille is making progress, PSG has somewhat stalled. The Parisian side is focusing on fostering team spirit and integrating youth to compensate for Kylian Mbappé’s departure. The situation in Ligue 1 looks good for them, but results in the Champions League tell a different story. If there’s any season where Paris Saint-Germain seems vulnerable to OM, it’s this one—a chance not to be missed.
Also to read: “Don’t forget we’re OM”: De Zerbi ambitious and fearless before facing PSG
When Was the Last Time OM Defeated PSG?
It hasn’t been too long since Marseille overcame Paris; the last victory was on February 8, 2023, a 2-1 win at home in the French Cup. In Ligue 1, however, OM’s last success came on September 13, 2020, when they won 1-0 at Parc des Princes. These victories are their only two in the last 30 encounters between the clubs. Paris has claimed 24 wins, and there have also been four draws and two defeats in this series that began in 2011. This dominance has allowed Paris Saint-Germain to take the historical lead in their matchups, with 51 wins, 21 draws, and 35 losses. The last league victory for Marseille at the Vélodrome against PSG was on November 27, 2011, shortly after PSG’s takeover.
How Many Parisian Fans Will Be at the Vélodrome?
None at all. The last time PSG fans traveled to the Vélodrome was back in 2015, during a period when the Ultras had yet to return to the Parc des Princes following the Leproux plan. Conversely, Marseille supporters attended a match at Parc des Princes in 2018 for a Coupe de France encounter, which ended in chaos, with many seats being damaged and facilities vandalized. Thus, it’s no surprise that a ministerial order issued on October 15 has prohibited Parisian fans from traveling to Marseille.
According to officials, “PSG travels often lead to public order disturbances due to the violent behavior of some supporters“. The order continues, “In matches held in Marseille, some OM supporters have exhibited violent behavior for many years“. This decree highlights the “animosity“, “strong antagonism“, and “particular rivalry” between both clubs, emphasizing a “real and serious risk of confrontation” between their supporters. Therefore, a ban on travel for PSG fans was deemed necessary to prevent potential dangers to safety.
How Many Players Have Played for Both PSG and OM Before Rabiot?
Trained in Paris and signed by OM this summer following a five-year stint at Juventus, Adrien Rabiot is the 52nd player to have donned the colors of France’s two biggest rivals. Historically, the rivalry was not as pronounced when Jean Djorkaeff and Jean-Pierre Destrumelle switched from OM to PSG in 1970, just weeks after PSG’s establishment. Rabiot is following in the footsteps of Lassana Diarra, the latest player before him to transfer between the two clubs; Diarra moved to Paris from OM in February 2018 after a brief stop at Al-Jazira. Since 2010, only two players have made this switch: Diarra and Hatem Ben Arfa. Overall, since 1989, a total of 36 players have represented both sides, including notable names like Gaby Heinze, Fabrice Fiorèse, Frédéric Dehu, Claude Makélélé,