OM-MHSC (1-2): A record but no victory

A great atmosphere in the stands, entertainment both outside and inside the stadium, packed terraces, nail-biting suspense right to the very end… Everything was almost in place for a memorable day, except for the win. Still, 28 March 2026 will be unforgettable for many. This debut at the Orange Vélodrome will remain etched forever in the players’ careers and memories.

The mental aspect, and in particular managing emotions, is something that the Marseille coach, Corine Diacre, had been working on for several days. And it was perhaps this that led to Marseille conceding a goal in the very first minute. Following a long back-pass, Inès Kbida unfortunately beat her own goalkeeper. Margot Shore’s desperate clearance was unable to prevent the ball from ending up in the back of the net.

Conceding a goal in the very first minute immediately put captain Tess Laplacette and her teammates on the back foot. Spurred on by the crowd, they dominated the first half and could even have equalised from a Laplacette cross-shot that struck the post of former OM goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi, now at Montpellier.

At half-time, the 35,713 spectators at the Orange Vélodrome – a record attendance for an Arkema Première Ligue match – were treated to a superb sound and light show.

After the break, the Hérault side quickly extended their lead with a goal from Justine Rouquet. The Marseille side responded immediately with a superb strike from Mathilde Bourdieu. The Olympique striker placed a magnificent shot under the crossbar of the MHSC goalkeeper. This goal galvanised the players and the crowd.

Marseille’s dominance grew more intense and chances became more frequent, particularly right at the end of the match, but, despite the substitutions made to bring freshness and new blood into the team, no further goals were scored.

In their debut at the Orange Vélodrome, the Marseille women lost to bottom-of-the-table Montpellier. But the real significance lies elsewhere, for whilst they may not have taken a small step towards securing their place in the league – which could be confirmed in the coming fixtures – they have taken a giant leap for women’s football.

OM - Montpellier HSC: 1-2

2025-2026 Season – Arkema Première Ligue – Matchday 29

Orange Vélodrome

Attendance: 35,713 spectators

Referee: Elisa Daupeux

Half-time: 0-1

OM goals: Bourdieu (51) - MHSC: Kbida (1 own goal), Rouquet (49)

OM: Shore, Laplacette (Léger 79), Le Mouël (Cabezas 37), Bourdieu, Perret (Bamenga 60), Blanchard, Bourgouin, Kbida (Cyraniak 37), Carro, Herrera, Elisor

Substitutes: Sieber, Alvarez, Couasnon,

Manager: Corinne Diacre