On March 16, 2025, one of the most awaited matches of the season took place as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clashed with Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Parc des Princes. Dubbed "Le Classique," this fierce rivalry brought the two largest teams of Ligue 1 head-to-head for the 26th round of the championship, with significant stakes involved for both sides.
PSG, entering the match with 65 points, aimed to solidify their position at the top of the league. Meanwhile, OM, ranked second with 49 points, sought to close the gap and assert themselves as serious contenders. The atmosphere was electric, with passionate supporters showcasing their loyalty through elaborate chants—however, the tone shifted when the PSG crowd began using offensive lyrics directed toward their rivals.
The match kicked off at 20:45, and it wasn't long before PSG took the lead. Ousmane Dembélé struck first, scoring the opening goal at the 17-minute mark. Dembélé, who has been pivotal for PSG this season, dribbled past goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and calmly slotted the ball home to put his team up 1-0.
Just before halftime, PSG doubled their advantage, with Nuno Mendes finding the net after being set up by Fabian Ruiz at the 42nd minute. The home team went to the locker room with a comfortable 2-0 lead, demonstrating their dominance on the pitch. The goals reflected PSG's clinical finishing and control over the game, but the atmosphere was tense, leading to the match announcer urging PSG fans to temper their aggression and refrain from insult-laden chants.
Following halftime, OM came out revitalized. Just six minutes post-restart, Adrien Rabiot capitalized on a mistake by Mendes—a misplayed back pass—and worked his way around Donnarumma to assist Amine Gouiri, who netted the ball to make it 2-1.
This goal reignited hopes for the visiting fans, who saw their team vying for more chances. The challenge intensified, and Marseille continued to press forward, generating moments of danger for PSG's defense. Their players showed resilience and grit, but PSG's defensive line held unusually firm.
Despite the spirited comeback attempt from OM, disaster struck for them at the 76-minute mark. Achraf Hakimi made a decisive low cross, which unfortunately for OM saw defender Pol Lirola misdirect the ball past his own keeper, making the score 3-1 for PSG. This unfortunate own goal closed the door on Marseille's chances of salvaging the game.
Even with the result seemingly set, Marseille continued to press forward. A particularly close call saw Merlin’s strike hit the post, showcasing their intent until the final whistle.
At the end of this intense encounter, PSG emerged victorious, solidifying their lead over OM to 19 points, making it increasingly likely they would capture the championship title. This victory marked PSG's 21st win of the season and was key to their ambitions of finishing the league undefeated.
Reflecting on the game, PSG's Désiré Doué commented, "I am very happy for the team, for what we do daily. We pressed a lot and played our football," highlighting the cohesive effort and determination of the players. Meanwhile, OM's Valentin Rongier expressed disappointment, stating, "The score is a bit heavy. We dominated early on but conceded avoidable goals. There are positives, but we are very disappointed," providing insight on their struggle, especially considering their past defeat against PSG earlier this season.
Looking forward, PSG remains focused on their pursuit of glory both domestically and in Europe, having recently eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League. They now hope to maintain their momentum as they head toward the climax of the season.
Meanwhile, OM, seasoned yet ambitious under coach Roberto De Zerbi, must regroup and focus on overcoming their current setbacks to aim for European qualification. This latest loss, though disappointing, showcased their improvements and determination to compete at the highest levels. With differences in points behind them, the rivalry continues and sets the stage for future encounters.