Marseille Season 5 Match Day Reports

[Buckers]

Match Day 1

Pre Match Information

First game of the season and managerial debut for James Bucknall, see Marseille return to top flight football following relegation in season 3 however crowned champions in season 4 and promotion back to the dreamland at the first time of asking. In the summer saw change with the unexpected resignation from Euan Neale to appointment of James Bucknall. It was a total world wind for the Les Phoceens fans, seeing fans concerned with only 14 players signed on with only a month and a half till the season opener. Eyebrows were raised as the days went on with fans becoming excited for the daily 5pm announcement on the club website of multiple signings. As the weeks went on saw Bucknall selling 17 players and signing 23 players! Fans forum posts went from fearful to intrigue and optimism for the season ahead praising the off field work that James Bucknall and his back room staff have put in over the off season.

With only 2 players standing from last seasons EFL2 champions, the fans are excited to see the new “Buckers Ball” philosophy and new signings in action with an expected sold out away end.



Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s match day

To some shock Barcelona set up rather defensive from the start with Marseille facing counter attack. We took full advantage of this with the first opportunity of the game, seeing debut man I_Williams bag his first goal of the season and an assist from another debutant A_Guler. Following this saw the wrath of Barcelona constant attacking football, 23 minutes later Barcelona equalised through a powerful header from R_Lewandowski. To see out the half saw end to end football with Barcelona having the better chances they could not get through Marseille’s stalwart defensive.

HT Score: Barcelona 1-1 Marseille

Barcelona picked up from where they ended the second half, seeing again the wrath of Barcelona attacking football in the 50th minute. Only minutes later, the ball lands to no other than the academy product T_Cahill on the wing, cuts the ball back to talisman I_Williams, can he make it a double? Of course he can with a spectacular bicycle kick!
GOAL!
Barcelona continued there relentless attacking threat not allowing Marseille a chance to breathe, not many chances falling Marseille way until the 88th minute…

“H_Suazo chips the ball in towards the far post!
It goes straight into the arms of A_Lopes Was there some shirt pulling going on in the box?
The strikers are calling for VAR!
We wait for the decision
It looks like
NO PENALTY”

Barcelona continued there attacking threat into 90 + additional minutes however no prevail.

FT Barcelona 1-2 Marseille



James Bucknall Comments

“ First off I would like to thank those fans who made the 10 hour round trip to see the lads in action. Very delighted to kick off the season with a win against a very strong and talented team that is Barcelona. With a talented manager Mati who has a rich history within the world of FFO. Esms gods were thankfully on our side today as it could’ve gone the other way, therefore I am very proud of my team today grabbing the 3 points”



We now look forward to our first home fixture of the season welcoming Simon and his Atletico Madrid side to the Orange Velodrome stadium who picked up all 3 points on there season opener.


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[Buckers]

Match Day 2

Pre Match Information

Second game of the season sees James Bucknall take charge of his first game at the famous Orange Velodrome welcoming Simon and his Atletico Madrid side. In the season opener saw Marseille pull off a miraculous away win against Barcelona. Atletico Madrid also came away with all three points making this an exciting affair with both managers eager to make it 6 points out of 6.



Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s match day

Atletico Madrid started off the blocks quickest, making G_Bazuna pull off 2 brilliant saves in the opening 3 minutes of the game. Marseille took advantage of the overhaul of attacking threat from Atletico Madrid with a counter attack from no other than I_Williams with a delightful solo run to make it 1-0 to Marseille and to make it 3 goals in 2 for the striker. Following this Atletico Madrid opted to go attacking, and continued there pursuit for the equaliser however Marseille had other plans. Following the opener saw Marseille have more of the chances out of both sides. In the 30th minute saw Marseille have a corner, D_Dumfries hit the ball towards the back post finding its way to M_Oyarzabal who manages to get his shot away and nearly puts it away to make it 2-0. To see off the half both sides had there chances however neither side were able to convert.

HT: Marseille 2-0 Atletico Madrid

In the opening 13 minutes of the second half saw neither team create any chances. Marseille continued there sluggish start with Atletico Madrid eager to capitalise on this. Atletico Madrid continued there attacking threat with much pressure with Marseille only just containing them. Following the threat, on the 69th minute mark saw red for S_v_den_Berg from a poor high tackle. Marseille didn’t manage to create many chances and neither did Atletico Madrid to see out the game.

FT Marseille 2-0 Atletico Madrid



James Bucknall Comments

“ Absolutely delighted and proud of my lads to come away with all the 3 points against a very strong Atletico Madrid side who will without a doubt be up there come end of the season with the quality Simon possess with players and tactics at his disposal. However I am disappointed to see one of my key defenders out through suspension for the next game. Esms gods were on our side yet again, hopefully this will be one of those games we look back on come end of the season which could make the difference of our fate”



Next up sees us facing Italian & EFL1 giants Juventus away from home with both sides making it a perfect 6 points from 6. It’ll be interesting to see which team makes it out on top.


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