Classique, Act 100 (3/4): 2000 to 2011

The 2000s bring back pleasant memories for Paris Saint-Germain fans against their rivals from Marseille: although titles and trophies weren't always on the cards, Paris Saint-Germain made Classique history with eight consecutive victories against OM, something that has never been replicated in the matches between the two clubs. 

A "new wave" Paris Saint-Germain with its young stars (Peter Luccin, Stéphane Dalmat, Nicolas Anelka and Bernard Mendy) got the decade going with a first victory at the Parc des Princes (2-0, on 13/10/2000). An excellent memory for Nicolas Anelka: "Those matches against OM were really special, because there was a huge rivalry between the two clubs, the players and the fans... It was the match that we absolutely had to win!"

Two red and blue legends took their turns to get the goals: Ronaldinho and Pedro Miguel Pauleta. The Brazilian brought down OM at the Parc des Princes (3-0, on 26/10/2002) then at the Vélodrome (0-3, on 09/03/2003) with a footballing masterclass that entered club legend. An unforgettable match for Jérôme Alonzo: "What a great memory! Ronaldinho was at the top of his game, he told me on the morning of the match: 'I am feeling good, I am going to win you the match', and he kept his promise."

After Ronnie's departure, it was Pauleta's time to haunt Les Marseillais, putting two exceptional goals past Fabien Barthez (2-1 victories on 25/04/2004 and 06/11/2004). The Portuguese international loved playing against Marseille: "I loved all my goals against OM. They were beautiful goals, but more than anything they were very important  for the club and for the fans. What's more, I almost never lost against Les Marseillais, which is a source of personal pride for me. If I had to choose one, it would be the one I scored in my first Classique at the Parc des Princes. The ball had almost gone out, I saw Barthez come out, the angle was almost impossible, but I tried my luck, hit the target and scored!"

Even without some of their star names who had been rested, Les Parisiens came out on top at the Vélodrome during an incredible Round of 32 of the Coupe de la Ligue (2-3 on 10/11/2004). The run came to an end with a draw in Marseille (1-1 on 02/04/2005) and a more complicated period for Les Rouge et Bleu in the league ensued , beaten on three occasions at the Parc des Princes (2006, 2009, 2010) despite an excellent win in Provence (2-4) on 26 October 2008, with an impressive Guillaume Hoarau.

Les Parisiens, however, did win the match that counted: the final of the Coupe de France (2-1 on 29/04/2006) in Saint-Denis. A first at this level between the two sides, much to the delight of the Rouge et Bleu fans and Pauleta: "It was huge and even more so because I was captain. When I touched the trophy, it was an extraordinary feeling. I remember that I turned toward the stand with the Paris fans and I saw their joy, I will never forget that..."

The arrival of the new owners in Paris changed the face of this encounter, Les Marseillais won 3-0 at home on 27 November 2011 in Ligue 1. OM's last home victory over Les Rouge et Bleu, before an incredible unbeaten run (20 matches from 2012 until 2020, 17 wins and 3 draws) and a Paris Saint-Germain at the top of French football (26 trophies), with Marseille picking up just one Coupe de la Ligue and a Trophée des Champions since 2011.

Classique, acte 100 (2/4) : 1986 à 2000

Classique, acte 100 (1/4) : 1971 à 1985