6 March, by Sean Gillen

Marseille snatch draw at PSG with reserve team

Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Marseille

Pedro Pauleta had a quiet game as the ‘French National Derby’ descended into a farce after Marseille came with a hugely weakened squad to play their fierce rivals at the Parc Des Princes.

Arguments between officials of the two clubs had taken place throughout the week building up to the game over ticket allocation and the security of the travelling Marseille fans. At one point, Marseille directors threatened to boycott the game, but things did not quite go that far.

Instead, the south-coast side arrived in the capital and fielded a starting line-up which included five youth players who were making their league debuts. There were a select few squad players with first team experience, including Portuguese midfielder Delfim, in the Marseille side.

What is usually an intense, adrenaline-fuelled encounter between two of France’s biggest sides ended up being a slow, uneventful bore as PSG failed to break down a young, but organised Marseille defense.

Paris SG’s Bonaventure Kalou caused the visitors problems in the first half, heading wide from close range before going on a solo run but failing to find a team-mate. The home side went close again through full-back Paulo Cesar when the Brazilian’s shot was cleared off the line.

Marseille had few opportunities during the game. One of the experienced players, Argentine forward Christian Gimenez, shot straight at PSG ’keeper Lionel Letizi, who had earlier saved a header from defender Andre Luiz.

Paris SG put their young opponents under pressure in the second half with plenty of crosses and balls into the box, but were unable to create many clear-cut chances. Portuguese striker Pauleta was presented with a half-chance with 15 minutes to go but the Azorean couldn’t find the target with his header.

Famous result

The home side hit the outside of the post and had another effort comfortably cleared off the line as the Marseille juniors held out for what was a famous draw.

Paris Saint-Germain’s embarrassment at failing to beat their arch-rivals’ reserve side was underlined by the jubilant celebrations from the Marseille players, bench and coaching staff at the final whistle.

The result sees PSG move up to 7th place, four points behind Marseille but eight points off a Champions League place, which now looks an unlikely target.


Paris Saint-Germain:
Letizi, Pichot, Rozenhal, Yepes (Rothen, 46), Mendy (Paulo Cesar, 31), Cisse, M’Bami, Landrin, Rodriguez (Pancrate, 70), Kalou, Pauleta
Yellow Cards: None

Marseille:
Carrasso, Andre Luiz, Cantarelli, Civelli, Pradie, Delfim (Diop, 62), Gastine, N’Diaye, Bocaly, Dennoun (Flachi, 55 – replaced by N’Goum, 81), Gimenez
Yellow Cards: Carrasso (65), Bocaly (85)