Classique Act 100: 2011 onwards
Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille will take part in their 100th Classique on Sunday evening at the Stade Vélodrome. A look back at four acts of this historic encounter in French football, that has been dominated by Les Parisiens (44 wins, 22 draws and 33 defeats). The fourth and final segment of the historic duel between Les Parisiens and Marseillais, since 2011.
On 27 November 2011, the whole of Marseille was delighting in their side's 3-0 victory over their rivals from the capital at the Vélodrome.
This defeat, however, marked the start of an exceptional period for Les Rouge et Bleu in the Classique, with a series of 20 matches without defeat (17 wins and 3 draws).
The first main man for Paris Saint-Germain in the Classique during this period is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who went on to score 11 goals in 10 matches against Les Phocéens. From his exceptional brace at the Vélodrome (2-2 on 07/10/2012) to his goodbyes to Paris in the final of the Coupe de France in Saint-Denis with another brace (4-2 on 21/05/2016), the Swedish striker tormented OM during his four seasons in the capital: "Paris Saint-Germain - Marseille, it was one of the best matches, with huge intensity. It was fantastic to play in them. Paris did the job as always, we had great players and incredible fans."
Once Zlatan Ibrahimovic left the club, it was Edinson Cavani's turn to punish Les Marseillais. 7 goals in total for the Uruguayan, including one memorable free-kick at the Vélodrome at the end of the match to earn a draw that was celebrated as a victory by the Paris fans (2-2 on 22/10/2017). The best moment for El Matador in Paris colours: "I think that goal is the best one for me. The whole stadium was waiting for the free-kick to be over in order to celebrate, to shout out in joy. But that's when I spoiled the party! The Classique is always special. If you can't win it, it's not possible to lose it, it's a question of mentality."
Angel Di Maria, with five goals scored, also left his mark on the team's unbeaten run against OM. Four goals at the Parc des Princes, with one that made the difference at the Vélodrome (1-2 on 06/02/2016) and several exceptional free-kicks from the Argentine: "The Classique, it's an important match for everyone at the club. The players, the supporters, we always want to bring joy to the faces of our fans."
Kylian Mbappé was also one of the heroes of the final matches of the run against Marseille, with a goal at the Vélodrome in the league (0-2 on 28/10/2018), then a brace at the Parc des Princes (4-0 on 27/10/2019) during a match in which Les Parisiens scored four goals in 45 minutes. "The supporters were expecting a lot from this match. It's important for them, but also for us. We need to give our all in order to make them happy."
After the defeat at the start of the season at the Parc des Princes with a squad that was weakened by the Covid-19 virus, Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways against OM during the Trophée des Champions at Lens (2-1 on 13/01/2021). And this evening, they will hope to launch another winning run at the Stade Vélodrome in the 100th competitive match between the two sides.
A run that could continue for captain Marquinhos, who is unbeaten against Marseille in 14 matches (12 wins and 2 draws) and perfectly demonstrates Les Parisiens' determination against their rivals: "This match against OM, it will never be a match like any other."