PSG v Marseille: How OM were outclassed by Paris, the analysis | OneFootball

With the aim of providing our readers with richer content, we came up with the idea of launching a section featuring an analysis of key actions in a match, whether for goals scored or conceded, beautiful moves, near misses, and more. The goal is to determine the share of collective or individual success or error in each action. Here is the new issue. This is a sequence from the 5-0 victory against Olympique de Marseille (video summary PSG/OM) this Sunday during the 21st day of Ligue 1 2025-2026. It’s the action of the opening goal, which perfectly sums up the gap in this Classico.

The situation after regaining possession.

Legend: – Orange circle: the players being discussed – Everything in black: possible options – Everything in red: what was done after the image. Line = pass – Arrow = movement – White circle = ball

At the moment, there is no danger, and OM mainly needs to decide how to defend. This will be a problem throughout this action and the match. The Marseillais are high, but their behavior is not consistent with pressing. Except for the one following Vitinha, everyone is retreating.

It was possible to "chase" João Neves to put pressure on him, hinder passes to the left, and be ready to try to trap Paris. But OM opts for "half-caution." They drop back a bit but, as we see later, without forming a block (although it can be noted that two Marseillais are marking each other in the middle with these movements). It’s more of a new pressing that is launched. Neves easily passes to the left, and a few passes follow without difficulty.

The situation when Pacho passes back to Neves.

Legend: – Orange circle: the players being discussed – Everything in black: possible options – Everything in red: what was done after the image. Line = pass – Arrow = movement – White circle = ball

The Marseillais are still high, but Willian Pacho has time to adjust his pass to a Neves who hasn’t really been followed. It’s only now that the pressure run begins, far too late.

Meanwhile, Nuno Mendes moves to the left and advances a little, without being fully followed. His closest opponent first takes a few steps back, as seen in the next situation.

We also see a new problem posed by PSG, a classic in coach Luis Enrique’s fluid team: Désiré Doué, the "right winger," crosses the field to add an option. Marseille is a bit lost, and we can see Leonardo Balerdi wondering who should take care of him. Benjamin Pavard, also a central defender, volunteers. Too late.

The situation when Nuno Mendes passes to Barcola.

Legend: – Orange circle: the players being discussed – Everything in black: possible options – Everything in red: what was done after the image. Line = pass – Arrow = movement – White circle = ball

Nuno Mendes was able to control, look around, analyze, and still has space to act since the Marseillais stopped. Probably out of fear of being dribbled, but it still poses the problem of letting the fullback choose his pass. While Timothy Weah, possibly also out of caution not to be caught deep, allows Barcola to drop back and only fully engages in defense once the pass is made.

In the middle, even if it’s not shown, the pass to Doué was possible since Pavard is far from marking him closely. And at the moment of the pass to Barcola, again probably out of caution (granted he is a central defender defending in the opponent’s half near his attackers), he retreats. But he could have marked Doué, even coming this far and thus contributing to the idea of pressing. This freedom given to the Parisian allows Barcola to play a one-touch pass to Doué, who controls without much pressure.

The situation when Doué sends Nuno Mendes deep.

Legend: – Orange circle: the players being discussed – Everything in black: possible options – Everything in red: what was done after the image. Line = pass – Arrow = movement – White circle = ball

There are many indications on the image, and we might apologize. But it’s because there were many things to do differently, while PSG plays the situation well. We can highlight the quality of Doué’s outside-foot pass. It is perfectly weighted and easy for Mendes to play. It was possible to play in the air, but it’s more complicated for the receiver.

But OM could also complicate the pass further. We see two players between Doué and Nuno Mendes, but neither really defends. They should either fully retreat or hinder Doué as much as possible. It’s unthinkable to leave so much space, especially to such players. Pavard, for example, shouldn’t stop. Especially since Medina has moved up the middle to defend against Mayulu. For a coherent pressing, the Marseillais facing Doué should mark him much more closely.

The last line, of only 2 players, could also already be running towards their goal as the situation seems clear. It’s also possible to try to play offside given the difficulty in keeping up with Nuno Mendes and Dembélé. But this in-between is fatal.

A conclusion that summarizes the entire action well: the Marseillais are almost always between intense pressing and a lower block, except that neither is done completely. PSG deserves credit, with movement and technical quality, but OM simplified things. This is seen in the other goals, with individual errors or this lack of coherence.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.