Olympique de Marseille returned to action at their revered home ground, the Vélodrome, for a pre-season friendly against Spanish side Sevilla. The match, a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming season, concluded in a 1-1 draw. This encounter was particularly notable as it provided the first taste of Vélodrome action for several of OM`s new summer signings; Angel Gomes and Facundo Medina were included in Roberto De Zerbi`s starting lineup, while CJ Egan-Riley later made his debut appearance, impressively making a goal-line clearance.
The scoring was opened by Mason Greenwood, a familiar face, who found the back of the net for Marseille with a low headed effort, marking his sixth goal in the pre-season campaign. However, Sevilla swiftly responded to level the score. Djibril Sow showcased his skill by expertly converting from the edge of the box with a confidently-curled finish past Rulli.
Despite the often-slow pace characteristic of pre-season fixtures, manager Roberto De Zerbi actively pushed his squad for higher intensity during the second half. Angel Gomes, initially playing in a deeper role, stood out in midfield, linking play effectively and delivering precise passes that created opportunities. As the match progressed, more young talents were introduced, including Bakola and Vaz, alongside a rare outing for goalkeeper Jeffrey De Lange.
A significant moment that generated considerable excitement among supporters was the return to action of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Having re-signed with the club just two days prior, the Gabon international entered the fray in the 70th minute. He immediately appeared sharp and showed no signs of losing his characteristic pace after a season in Saudi Arabia, signaling a promising start to his new chapter at the Vélodrome.
The 1-1 draw concluded a typical pre-season affair, offering valuable minutes for the squad and providing tactical insights for both teams. For Marseille, this friendly served as essential preparation for their next challenge, an upcoming match against Premier League side Aston Villa.