The footballing term “The Classic” is one that’s often reserved for a country’s top rivalry. The match encompasses qualities such as trophy success, brand appeal, geopolitical differences, etc. The most notable “Classic” is Spain’s “El Classico” which pits Real Madrid against Barcelona. Other notable “Classics” would be Germany’s “Der Klassiker”, the Netherlands “De Klassieker”, and finally France’s “Le Classique”! This Wednesday we’ll get a chance to witness “Le Classique” from the Parc des Princes in Paris, just three days after last Sunday’s showdown at the same venue, thanks to a scheduling quirk. This time however, the stakes will be much greater as it’s a one-off match in the Coupe de France as opposed to a Ligue 1 fixture that’s already seen PSG dubbed Champions-elect. Therefore, I’ll provide a brief synopsis of France’s top domestic matchup in preparation for Wednesday’s mega match.
“Le Classique”
Le Classique is a rivalry born and bread on historical success vs new foreign money. For nearly a century, Marseille was considered the gold standard of French football, winning 8 of its 9 Ligue 1 titles, and all 10 Coupe de France titles prior to the 21 century. Then came the 2000’s, and with it brought Qatar Sports Investments. QSI purchased PSG in 2011, bringing the club money, hand over fist. In turn, Les Parisiens quickly resembled a club residing in the City of Lights: star studded. The Qatari’s, led by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, purchased top talent from across Europe, such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Tiago Silva, David Luiz, Thiago Motta, and more recently Edison Cavani, Angel Di Maria, Neymar Jr, and Kylian Mbappe among others. As to no one’s surprise, PSG began winning domestic titles at will, and with ease. Since the takeover, Paris has won four Ligue 1 titles— with this year assured, four Coupe de la Ligue titles, with PSG playing in next month’s final, three Coupe de France titles— they’re in the quarterfinals for a fourth now, and five Trophee des Champions titles— including this year’s title. Needless to say, Paris SG is now France’s unquestioned gold standard.
In addition to club success, PSG and Marseille are the country’s two largest cities, with one being the capital, situated on the western side of France, Paris. Meanwhile, Marseille presides on the eastern half of the country, near the famed French Riviera. Thus, a difference in culture has led to the tension amongst supporters. Lastly, cities’s size and club achievements have led to immense brand appeal. Therefore, its no wonder why PSG vs Marseille is simply called “Le Classique”!
The Game
Come this Wednesday, PSG and Marseille will not only be playing for bragging rights, but also for the right to move onward to the Coupe de France semifinals. As the competition’s two winningest clubs, PSG with 11 titles and Marseille with 10, both will leave everything on the pitch, just as the supporters will leave it all in their seats. The crowd will be electric, as it was last Sunday, with flags flying high, chants ringing out around the Parc, and flares lighting up the stands, literally (guaranteed to be a few seats lit on fire by nights end).
On the pitch, watch out for Edison Cavani and Kylian Mbappe as they are sure to wreak havoc in front of Marseille’s goal. Also, with Neymar Jr out with an ankle injury that he suffered last Sunday, look for either Angel Di Maria or Julian Draxler to step up and produce for Les Parisiens. Conversely, Marseille will be hoping for a top class performances from standouts Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet, as Les Olympiens will most definitely need to register at least a couple of goals if they are to have a shot at beating their rivals in Paris.
LSB Prediction
Marseille will be looking to bounce back against PSG after succumbing to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals. Getting a win versus Paris SG won’t be ease though, even with a Neymar Jr-less PSG side. With that said, I expect the visitors to come out hungry, playing a determined and aggressive brand of football. But, as the match wears on, the sheer class of PSG will rise to the skies, and the stars of Cavani, Mbappe, Di Maria, and Draxler will shine down brightly on Paris’ Parc des Princes. 4-1 Paris SG