Rivalry day
Most Paris Saint-Germain fans will tell you the clash against Marseille is the first they look for upon release of the season’s match schedule. One of the biggest rivalries in European Football, ‘Le Classique’, as the tie is known in France is always one of the most intense games of the domestic season.
Paris and Marseille are historically two of France’s most successful clubs, and both count on huge loyal fanbases from their native cities, but where did the ‘Le Classique’ rivalry begin?
Origins
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the battle between PSG and Marseille really began to heat up. Against the backdrop of domestic and European success, both clubs built up impressive sides with some of the game’s biggest players of their generation. The Parisiens added the likes of David Ginola, George Weah and Raí to their roster, whilst Marseille brought Chris Waddle, Rudi Völler and Jean-Pierre Papin to the Stade Vélodrome. For a decade over the 1980s and 1990s, both clubs enjoyed huge success on the pitch, amassing nearly 70 domestic and European titles between them.
Famous games
March 9, 2003: Marseille 0 v Paris Saint-Germain 3
During the 2002/2003 season, Paris Saint-Germain beat ‘Les Phocéens’ three times (twice in the league and once more in the Coupe de France). The success in Le Classique was encapsulated by a single match on Marseille’s home-turf. PSG’s Brazilian star Ronaldinho was the catalyst in a game in which he scored a stunning solo strike and assisted Laurent Leroy’s brace to put three goals past Marseille and take three points back to the capital.
April 29, 2006: Marseille 1 v Paris Saint-Germain 2
The largest ever attendance for a Classique witnessed a Paris Saint-Germain win at the end of April 2006 when the two sides met in the final of the Coupe de France. The locals triumphed at the Stade de France, with goals from Bonaventure Kalou and Vikash Dhorasoo. Paris Saint-Germain have won the last four Coupe de France campaigns, whilst Marseille haven’t lifted the trophy since 1989.
February 26, 2017: Marseille 1 v Paris Saint-Germain 5
Two seasons ago, Paris Saint-Germain displayed all the hallmarks of a truly great side by putting five past their biggest rivals in what was Marseille’s worst home defeat since 1953. Marquinhos, Cavani, Lucas, Draxler and Matuidi all got on the scoresheet in a game that helped propel Paris Saint-Germain to an eventual Ligue 1 title.
Head-to-Head
Official matches: 94
Total wins: Paris Saint-Germain (40) vs OM (32)
Total goals: Paris Saint-Germain (132) vs OM (115)
Largest victory: Paris Saint-Germain 5 v OM 1 (1977-78, 2016-17)