As the Europa League progresses, the clash between Benfica and Marseille on Thursday stands out as one of the highlight fixtures of the competition. Both clubs, with storied pasts and significant European pedigree, find themselves at crossroads in their respective domestic leagues, looking to the Europa League as a beacon of hope in what has been a challenging season for each. This overview aims to dissect their journeys so far, their aspirations, and what this match represents for both sides.
Date: 11/06/2024
Kick-off time: 20:00
Location: Estádio da Luz
Benfica, a club synonymous with Portuguese football's success, currently find themselves in a tough position. Sitting 2nd in the Primeira Liga, they trail behind Sporting CP, with their domestic performance falling short of the lofty standards expected at Estádio da Luz. The disappointment in the Champions League group stages earlier this season compounded their woes, setting a tone of underachievement that has persisted. For a club with Benfica's rich history, including being two-time Champions League winners, the current campaign is one of introspection and recalibration.
Roger Schmidt, the man at the helm, is acutely aware of the significance of the Europa League in salvaging this season. Benfica's Europa League endeavours have been marked by near misses, with three finals in this competition ending in heartbreak. The memories of defeats in 1983, 2013, and 2014 linger, serving both as a painful reminder and a source of motivation. For a club that last made a significant dent in European competitions a decade ago, reaching a major European semi-final in 2014, this edition of the Europa League is more than just a tournament; it's an opportunity to reassert themselves as a force in continental football.
The squad boasts talents like Ángel Di María, whose pedigree includes a World Cup win, and João Neves, a 19-year-old prodigy earmarked as one of Europe's brightest prospects. These players, among others, are central to Benfica's aspirations of progressing further in the competition and possibly laying to rest the ghosts of past European disappointments.
On the other side of the pitch, Olympique de Marseille's season narrative shares a tone of unpredictability and challenge. Currently positioned 7th in Ligue 1, the club's season has been a rollercoaster, marred by instability, including managerial changes that have impacted the team's cohesion and performance. With a significant gap separating them from the Champions League qualification spots in the league, the Europa League emerges as a critical pathway to European football next season.
Jean-Louis Gasset, tasked with steering the ship amidst turbulent waters, faces the challenge of harnessing Marseille's potential and navigating a successful European campaign. The club's history in Europe is highlighted by their Champions League victory in 1993, a pinnacle of success that fans reminisce about fondly. However, like Benfica, Marseille have their share of European final heartaches, with losses in 1999, 2004, and most recently in 2018. The semi-final appearance in the Europa Conference League in 2022 is a recent memory of what the team can achieve, providing a foundation of belief for the players and fans alike.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team's leading scorer this season with 22 goals in all competitions, represents Marseille's threat upfront. His experience and poise in front of goal will be pivotal in their quest to overcome Benfica and advance further in the competition.
The historical context adds an intriguing layer to this fixture. These two sides have crossed paths in the round of 16 of this competition back in 2010, with Benfica edging out Marseille 3-2 on aggregate. That encounter, although over a decade ago, adds a narrative of unfinished business for Marseille, while Benfica will look to replicate their success.
For both Benfica and Marseille, the Europa League represents a salvaging opportunity for a season that has not gone according to plan. It's a chance to reclaim some pride, secure European football for next season, and perhaps, more importantly, to prove to their fans that the season's struggles have not been in vain.
The tactical battle between Roger Schmidt and Jean-Louis Gasset will be fascinating to observe, with both managers keenly aware of the stakes. Schmidt's Benfica will likely seek to control the game, leveraging their home advantage and the flair of their key players. Gasset's Marseille, unpredictable yet capable of brilliance, will look to exploit any gaps, with Aubameyang poised to capitalise on the slightest defensive lapse.
Primeira Liga 
Ligue 1 
