12 Jun 2019
Atleti take on Olympique de Marseille at the Groupama stadium chasing their first major trophy in five years
Atletico Madrid have been very successful in Europe under Diego Simeone, previously winning the Europa League and reaching two Champions League finals. However, after a trophy-less half decade under the Argentine, will they finally break the streak against a desperate Marseille team seeking to end their own six-year trophy drought?
After ending any chance of Arsene Wenger enjoying a fairytale ending at Arsenal, Atletico Madrid turn their attention to Marseille and the Europa league final this year hosted in Lyon. Marseille, who reached the final after a dramatic winner in Extra time against Salzburg, will be seeking their first piece of silverware since 2012 and potentially their last chance at a place in next year’s Champions League as they currently sit 4th in Ligue 1. Atletico have already confirmed their place in Europe’s premier competition next year sitting second in La Liga, but look to end a run of two European final defeats in a row. However, this time their old rival Real Madrid will not be the opposition.
Both teams are led by prolific left footed Frenchmen in Griezmann and Thauvin who have each crossed the 20-goal mark in all competitions this year. Although Griezmann has been a regular amongst the European elite goal scorers over the past few years, Thauvin is enjoying a breakout season in Marseilles. The Newcastle flop has grown in confidence since returning to the south of France and is rewarding the manager’s faith in him with goals and assists in abundance.
Having crashed out at the Champions League group stages Atletico have rebounded better than most with the disappointment. Marseilles meanwhile have been in the competition since the start and the final will represent their 15th game in the Europa league this year. After taming both Red Bull clubs in the previous two rounds will Marseilles complete their long journey with a victory over the favourites?
Atleti to shut out OM
Through eight games played in the Europa league, Atleti are only conceding on average 0.5 goals per game. On the other hand, Marseille have only managed 1.4 goals per game against substantially lesser opposition up to this point in the competition. Atleti have built a reputation as one of the most organized and difficult teams to break down under Simeone and although their manager won’t be on the touchline in Lyon due to his ban, with Godin anchoring them at the back, Atleti will represent a stiff task for Marseille. Betting on just Atleti to score first at 4/6 represents a fairly safe bet as the experienced outfit will be by far Marseille’s toughest opponents in the competition to date.
Griezmann to bow out on a high
Rumours have been rife over the past few months that this year represents Antoine Griezmann’s last in the Spanish capital. Reports suggest a move to Barcelona is all but done and thus the Europa League final could represent his final opportunity to win European silverware at Atletico Madrid. Putting money down for Griezmann to score first at 11/4 is well worth a flutter as he will look to give back to the club that progressed his career so much. He surely won’t lack for chances with Koke, Correa and Costa creating for him.
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