In the world of football, there is no such thing as too many dreams or too much work. For French club Marseille, securing their first ever Champions League playoff spot after defeating Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals was one of those dreams that always seemed so far-fetched. However, it was not just a dream for the French club, but rather a reality.
Marseille had been looking to qualify for the UEFA Champions League since they were crowned Ligue 1 champions in 2017 and were already preparing for the final round of the competition. They had faced a tough group containing Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom have won European titles. The draw for the quarter-finals took place on October 9th, 2018, with Marseille facing the defending champions from France.
Despite the high expectations placed upon them by their supporters and the media, Marseille did not fare well against the likes of PSG. In the first leg, Marseille lost 1-0 at home before being held to a goalless draw at the Parc des Princes. This loss left them trailing PSG by two goals in the second leg, where they were unable to score any goals despite having the better chances.
However, the team rallied after the break and managed to score three goals in the second half to secure a 4-2 victory and advance to the quarter-final stage. It was a thrilling performance, with Marseille playing with intensity and determination throughout the match. The win secured Marseille's first-ever Champions League playoff spot, giving them the opportunity to face PSG in the final four rounds.
The victory over PSG was a significant moment for Marseille. It marked the club's first ever Champions League success under coach Jean-Michel Aulas, who led the team to the title in 2016. The win also cemented Marseille's status as one of Europe's most promising young teams, with players like Marquinhos, Arnaud Montebourg, and Ousmane Dembélé among the talented players who made the leap to the professional ranks.
Overall, Marseille's triumph in the quarter-finals was a testament to their resilience, determination, and the hard work that goes into achieving a dream. While the journey may be long and challenging, the team will undoubtedly return to the Champions League stage once again, this time with renewed motivation and hope.