Olympique Marseille will be fighting history when they take on Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Spanish clubs have dominated this tournament recently, with five of the last eight titles being won by Spanish teams. Additionally, no French team has ever won the tournament. Eleven other countries have seen clubs win the Europa League in the tournament’s history, but French clubs are 0-4 at this stage. Marseille was responsible for two of those losses, and they will try to keep from going 0-3 in Europa League Finals.
Don't miss the Europa League Final from Parc Olympique Lyonnais at 2:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
Europa League Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atletico Madrid -151
Olympique Marseille +510
Draw +263
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
How they got here
Marseille finished behind Red Bull Salzburg in their group in order to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Europa League. From there, they cruised to wins over Braga and Athletic Bilbao in their first two elimination bouts.
After that, they had to face the two Red Bull teams in order to make it to the final. In the quarterfinals, they did fall behind Red Bull Leipzig on the away leg. However, they routed their opponent 5-2 at home and made it to the semifinals. They had to go to extra time in the second leg against Red Bull Salzburg, but Marseille were able to get the winning goal in the extra frame.
Atletico Madrid dropped down from the Champions League in order to participate in the Europa League. They routed Copenhagen and Lokomotiv Moscow in the first two rounds of the knockout stage, but they were given a much bigger test than expected by Sporting CP in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinals, they showed their class against Arsenal. Atletico lost Sime Vrsaljko to an unfair red card in the 10th minute of the first leg of their match-up, but they held firm at the back. They only allowed Arsenal to score once and Antoine Griezmann put a dagger in the hearts of the Gunners with a late goal. Atletico was able to pick up a 1-0 win in Madrid and held Arsenal’s attack in check.
Injuries to Watch
Marseille is going to be without a key piece of its back line once again. Hiroki Sakai is still bothered by a knee injury and has already been ruled out. Center back Rolando and center forward Konstantinos Mitroglou are both considered questionable. However, the club does have some good news when it comes to other members. Defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara might be able to play and goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has re-entered the lineup too.
Atletico Madrid only has one player on the injury report heading into this match. Right back Juanfran has missed the last few weeks of action with a hamstring issue. However, he is expected to be available for this match.
Key Player
Griezmann is one of the best forwards in the world. He has been fantastic during his time at Atletico, but he seems set to leave in the offseason. Rumor has it that Barcelona is in hot pursuit, and the Blaugrana are ready to offer him serious money. Before he leaves the capital, he would love to send his old club off in style.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Coming into this match, Marseille has a decision to make. They have a chance to finish in the top three in Ligue 1 and ensure a spot in the Champions League next year, but they need a little help. They will have to decide whether or not to play or sit some of their players for this match as a result. Even with a well-rested lineup, it’s hard to see them besting Atletico.
Europa League Odds: Atletico Madrid 2, Marseille 0
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