A match like no other

After their 4-0 win over Dijon on Tuesday in their rescheduled Week 18 clash, Les Rouge et Bleu take on Marseille on Sunday at 21:00 CET at the Parc des Princes. Like always, there’s more than just three points st stake: first and foremost, a win would be another big step towards an eighth national league title, but a win would also continue Paris Saint-Germain’s stunning run against the Old Enemy. The capital club are undefeated in Les Classiques since 2011. Paris Saint-Germain are now undefeated in their last 18 matches against Marseille in all competitions (15 wins, 3 draws) – the longest undefeated run ever between the two clubs.

Matches against OM are always special, as attests Angel Di Maria, who has ever lost against OM: “It’s very important for everyone, us players included… We want to make people happy on Sunday. It will be important match for the whole stadium and for us. I hope it’s a great game.”

But Marseile are in great form, with five wins and a draw in their last six outings and they’ve scored in each of their last 13 matches (only Paris have done better – scoring in their last 27 in a row in Ligue 1). Les Rouge et Bleu have been warned and coach Thomas Tuchel isn’t taken the prospect lightly: “We won the first match against Marseille but at the moment, they are in form and hard to play. They have a quality squad and they are playing well. They are getting a lot of good results. We know it will be very difficult on Sunday.”

Paris can count on their excellent home record at the Parc des Princes with seven wins and a draw in their last eight home meetings with Marseille in Ligue 1. But confidence won’t be the only factor. The coaching staff and the playing squad also know how important the fans are in matches like this one, starting with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is already looking forward to his first ever home Classique: “It’s a special match. I felt it during the first match… now we will be at home, at the Parc. It’s our home with our supporters. It’s understandable that they are still disappointed… but I know they will be right behind us on Sunday… we need them… we will do everything to try and win that game and play well…”

Thomas Tuchel echoed his striker’s comments: I expect us all to stick together and play like a team. Our supporters also have an important role to play. We have to be one on Sunday, that’s how we will move forward, progress and overcome the challenges that lie before us.  The Parc des Princes this Sunday will witness one of the most eagerly-anticipated Classiques in recent memory!