Olympique de Marseille – Newcastle United: Aubameyang Quick-Fire Brace Rescues Vital Win (2-1)

Olympique de Marseille would need veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to roll back the years as they hosted Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League. A worrying first half would turn to delight when the 36-year-old struck twice to rescue the evening and put Marseille’s European campaign back on track. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.

Olympique de Marseille had warmed up nicely for their visit from Newcastle United with a 5-1 victory away to local rivals OGC Nice. Still, a spectre hung over the Ligue 1 side that would make them wary of their Premier League opposition. Marseille had not beaten a side from the top four European leagues in the UEFA Champions League since their February 2012 victory over Inter Milan, with a run of 17 consecutive defeats. 

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi looked to line his side up in a 3-5-2 shape. Gerónimo Rulli returned to the goal after he was rested on Friday. In defence, Emerson Palmieri, Leonardo Balerdi, and Benjamin Pavard. In midfield, Arthur Vermeeren and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg were joined by the surprise inclusion of the 17-year-old Darryl Bakola. On the wings, Igor Paixão and Timothy Weah as wing-backs. Up front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood. 

Newcastle’s form has been patchy to start this season. The side are off the pace in the Premier League and sit 14th in the table, but in the Champions League, results have been more promising. Eddie Howe’s side lost their first game in . . .