The Olympique de Marseille started its preparation for the 2025-2026 season with a convincing victory (5-0) against the Excelsior Maasluis, a Dutch third division team. The game, which took place in Zeist, was controlled from end to end, especially during a very productive first half where the players made the difference. After three days of intensive training in the Netherlands, Roberto De Zerbi’s team showed a reassuring face with a well-established 4-2-3-1. One of the new features of this first game was the first appearance of Facundo Medina, who was distinguished by his defensive strength and even scored the first goal of a head on Gouiri corner.

Mason Greenwood was one of the most prominent players, recording an express triple (28th, 34th, 39th) and confirming his current good form. Jonathan Rowe, the other English winger, also contributed to the first period by scoring a goal (38th). The first half ended with a score of 5-0, showing a collective mastery of the Marseille team. Roberto De Zerbi took advantage of the second period to make changes, replacing his entire team and opting for a three-way defense.

This second half allowed new players like CJ Egan-Riley, Cornelius, Abdallah, Bakola and Vaz to make their debut. Although the pace decreased slightly, OM retained control of the game. Abdallah had two interesting occasions (55th, 65th) but failed to convert them into goals. This reassuring victory marks a good start in preparation for OM, which will face Charleroi next Monday as part of a gradual rise in intensity. The composition of the team was changed at half-time, with significant changes in defence and attack.