Aubameyang Benched as OM Face PSG in Heated Classique
When Marseille take on Paris Saint-Germain, it’s never just another Ligue 1 game—it’s the Classique, a match loaded with history, rivalry, and pressure. And tonight at the Vélodrome, the build-up has already been shaped by some bold choices in the starting lineups.
On the Marseille side, the big surprise is that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been left on the bench. Instead, Igor Paixao, who had only made a couple of substitute appearances before, has been handed his very first start in an OM shirt. He joins Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood up front, forming a brand-new attacking trio tasked with breaking down PSG’s defense. It’s a huge vote of confidence in the young Brazilian, and also a clear message that competition for places in Marseille’s attack is alive and well.
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Behind them, the midfield is anchored by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Matt O’Riley, with Timothy Weah and Emerson Palmieri providing width. In defense, Nayef Aguerd makes his return after a short absence due to concussion protocol. He’ll line up alongside Leonardo Balerdi, who wears the captain’s armband, and Benjamin Pavard, giving the backline both experience and physical presence. Rulli is trusted once again in goal, charged with keeping PSG’s firepower in check.
Across the pitch, PSG arrive in Marseille with their own set of challenges. Several key offensive players—Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Joao Neves—are unavailable. That forced Luis Enrique to shuffle his system, opting for three central defenders: Illya Zabarnyi, Marquinhos, and Willian Pacho. The idea seems clear: free up Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes to bomb forward, stretching Marseille’s defense and compensating for the absence of traditional wingers.
In midfield, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz partner with young Warren Zaïre-Emery, whose growing influence continues to be felt in these big games. Up front, Gonçalo Ramos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia carry the responsibility of converting chances into goals, a role that will be closely scrutinized in a match of this magnitude.
What makes this clash even more intriguing is how both coaches, Roberto De Zerbi for OM and Luis Enrique for PSG, have mirrored each other tactically with back-three systems. It raises the question: who will impose their rhythm first? Will Marseille’s gamble on Paixao pay off, or will PSG’s wingbacks tilt the balance?
The Classique is always about more than just football—it’s about pride, atmosphere, and making a statement. With both teams entering the pitch under floodlights at a packed Vélodrome, the stage feels set for drama. Whether it’s Aubameyang waiting for his chance to impact from the bench, or PSG’s reshuffled attack trying to click, the spotlight is on every decision. Tonight, it’s not just about points in Ligue 1; it’s about bragging rights in one of Europe’s fiercest rivalries.
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