Those that are used to watching Marseille will know that their kick off against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night was nothing new…
The French club started the Europa League final in Lyon by sending the ball – quite deliberately – out for a throw-in deep inside Atleti’s half, clearly happy to surrender possession in favour of putting their opponents under a bit of pressure.
Although this is something they’ve done in every game they’ve played this season, many of those watching – BT Sport’s commentary team included – were caught by surprise by the tactic.
Many of those watching were quick to comment on Twitter, plenty of them likening it to something they’d expect to see during a rugby match.
https://twitter.com/UnrealPogba/status/996824980435406848
https://twitter.com/ahadfooty/status/996824998357749760
Weird start to this game with Marseille firing away the kickoff. Very intriguing.
— Gavin Smith (@BoboChubbles19) May 16, 2018
Perculiar kick off from Marseille
— NWA CHI NE EMELU (@Sanematic) May 16, 2018
What kind kick off was that from #Marseille 🙈🙈🙈
— Robbie White (@robbiew07) May 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/cfcgazz/status/996824826064134144
Atleti started the game as favourites, although their supporters were significantly outnumbered by Marseille supporters in the stadium. Antoine Griezmann, in possibly his final game for the Spanish club, scored the opening goal shortly after the 20 minute mark.
