Besiktas thrashes Marseille 4-1 to deepen Bruno Genesio's crisis
Olympique de Marseille fell hard in Istanbul, losing 4-1 to Besiktas in the opening round of the Europa League league phase. The French side now have four straight defeats and Bruno Genesio's future as head coach is under serious threat.
Byvarela4 min read
Olympique de Marseille collapsed in Istanbul and were beaten 4-1 by Besiktas on the opening day of the Europa League league phase. It was a fourth defeat in a row for the French club, piling even more pressure on head coach Bruno Genesio, whose side have collected just three points from five Ligue 1 matches.
- Marseille conceded two goals in under five minutes early in the second half.
- Keyliane Abdallah, a 20-year-old academy product, scored the visitors' only goal of the night.
- Dusan Vlahovic played the full 90 minutes for Besiktas but failed to get on the scoresheet.
- Marseille host PSG at the Vélodrome just three days after this European setback.
Even first half followed by a second-half collapse in Istanbul
Vincenzo Italiano's Besiktas struck first after fifteen minutes through a low, angled finish from Ilhan Fakili. Marseille responded quickly and levelled the match thanks to their young academy forward Keyliane Abdallah, aged 20, just before the hour mark. But the deafening atmosphere in the Turkish stadium took its toll after the break.
Vaclav Cerny made it 2-1 in the 56th minute and Amir Murillo extended the lead three minutes later. Genesio's team fell apart without any real response, and late in the game Ernest Poku sealed the win with a fourth goal in the 81st minute.
Four straight defeats leave Marseille languishing in Ligue 1
The European defeat confirms the worst run of Marseille's season so far. Before travelling to Turkey they had already lost their previous three domestic matches, leaving them 13th in Ligue 1 with only three points. The pressure on the bench continues to grow as results fall well short of the club's expectations.
Vlahovic starts but fails to find the net on his European debut for Besiktas
Dusan Vlahovic was one of the biggest new faces in the Turkish side after leaving Juventus on a free transfer. The striker completed the full 90 minutes, contributed to the attacking flow and opened up space for his teammates, but could not score. Even without a goal, his presence added quality to a Besiktas attack that dominated the second half.
PSG arrive at the Vélodrome at the worst possible time for Marseille
The defeat against Besiktas puts Marseille in a difficult position ahead of French football's biggest rivalry. On Sunday, Genesio's side host PSG at the Vélodrome in the final match of matchday five in Ligue 1. Another home defeat against their arch-rivals could be the last straw for the head coach.
Next European test: Imanol Alguacil's Olympiacos
In the second round of the Europa League league phase, Marseille will welcome Imanol Alguacil's Olympiacos on October 15. By then, the picture in Ligue 1 and Genesio's future will probably be much clearer. What is certain is that the team must stop the bleeding immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score in Besiktas vs Marseille?
Besiktas won 4-1 in the first round of the Europa League league phase. Cerny, Murillo and Poku scored after the break, while Abdallah netted the only goal for Olympique de Marseille.
Why is Bruno Genesio under pressure at Marseille?
Marseille have lost four consecutive matches and collected only three points from five Ligue 1 games. The heavy defeat in Istanbul deepened the crisis, and a loss against PSG could prove decisive for his future.
When do Marseille play PSG?
The match takes place on the Sunday following the Besiktas game, just three days later, at the Vélodrome. It is part of matchday five in Ligue 1 and represents a huge test for Bruno Genesio.