Marseille Eye Europa League Spot in Season Finale Showdown
Olympique de Marseille are heading into the final matchday of the Ligue 1 season with renewed hope and momentum, riding a wave of seven unbeaten games that has reignited their push for European qualification. A victory against Guingamp at the Stade Vélodrome this Saturday, combined with a misstep from Lyon in their clash with Nice, could see OM clinch fifth place — and with it, a coveted Europa League spot.
The turnaround comes at a crucial moment for Marseille, who have shown resilience and cohesion in recent weeks under the leadership of head coach Marcelo Bielsa. A win tonight would extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches and serve as a strong statement heading into the new Bielsa era.
Marseille captain Steve Mandanda, a key figure in the club’s late-season resurgence, is urging his teammates to seize the opportunity. Speaking ahead of the match, the French international said, “We have to believe in it. We have this opportunity to finish the season well against Guingamp. If we want the party to be great, we have to win.”
However, Mandanda is well aware that Marseille’s fate is not entirely in their own hands. “Our destiny is not in our own hands,” he added. “We will have to wait for Lyon’s result. But we have to win against Guingamp to hope for anything.”
Lyon, currently sitting just ahead of OM, will be in action at the same time against local rivals Nice — a team that could play the unlikely role of Marseille’s ally in the European race.
As the curtain falls on an eventful season, Marseille fans will be watching both matches closely, hoping for a win on home soil and a favor from their neighbors to cap off a dramatic finish and secure a return to continental competition.
