Winning Adu Penalti Against Benfica, Marseille Qualify For The Semifinals Against Atalanta

Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right) and Faris Moumbadna celebrated the game against Benfica. (X/@OM_Officiel)

JAKARTA - Olympique de Marseille had to work hard before winning 4-2 on penalties over Benfica in the second match of the Europa League quarter-finals at the Orange Velodrome Stadium, Friday, April 19, 2024 in the morning WIB. Marseille qualified for the semifinals to meet Atalanta.

Marseille set a record for the first time in six years to reach the semifinals in European competition. The Ligue 1 club managed to achieve the target of the top four after eliminating Benfica.

Marseille actually lost 2-1 in the first match at home to Benfica. This result makes Marseille have to work hard because they have to win at least 2-0 to get rid of their rivals.

Benfica is actually able to master the game. It was recorded that veteran winger Angel Di Maria almost broke into Marseille's goal if it was not thwarted by goalkeeper Pau Lopez. Likewise, Antonio Silva's chance was saved by goalkeepers.

Marseille finally managed to take the lead after Faris Moumbadna scored in the 79th minute. He finished the assist from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 1-0 score for Marseille lasted until the game ended.

Because the aggregate was 2-2, the match continued extra time. Di Maria again got two good chances to equalize the score.

Again, Pau Lopez thwarted it. No goals were created so the match ended on penalties.

During the penalty shootout, Di Maria became the first player to fail to complete the execution. His shot hit the crossbar.

Furthermore, Antonio Silva became Benfica's fourth failed kicker. Meanwhile, four Marseille executors successfully completed their task. Marseille finally won a 4-2 match.

"I'm happy and proud of the players. They showed such extraordinary enthusiasm that they made fans proud. They made Marseille proud. We've been dreaming of this for a long time," said Marseille coach Jean-Louis Gasset.

"Many players sacrifice for this match. They still try their best even though they don't play in their positions. We also correct the mistakes of the first match," he said.

Goalkeeper Lopez is no less proud that the team managed to reach the top four. "We are happy, especially fans. We have had a tough season, but fans deserve this victory," said Lopez.

Successfully qualified for the semifinals, Marseille met Atalanta. The Italian Serie A team eliminated Liverpool despite losing 1-0. The reason is, Atalanta remains 3-1 on aggregate. In the first match at Anfield, they won 3-0.