Champions!

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Probably inspired by their lap of honour the day before, just before kick-off between OM and Rennes at the Orange Vélodrome in front of nearly 60,000 spectators, our Marseillaises went for ‘the icing on the cake’, as their coach Frédéric Gonçalves put it.

The cake is, of course, promotion to the Arkema Première Ligue, secured last weekend with a win away to Saint-Malo. The cherry on top is the Seconde Ligue title, which the team clinched after a dazzling second half of the season that ended on Sunday afternoon in Marseille with a ninth consecutive win against third-placed Toulouse FC.

This victory sees OM win the Women's D2 title, the second in the club's history after the one won in 2016. Before the match, the math was simple: only a win would allow OM to draw level on points with Lens, who were already assured of promotion. But OM's superior goal difference would give them first place.

In line with their recent performances, our Marseillaises immediately set the pace of the game. In the tenth minute, Dona Scannapieco opened the scoring with a fine run and cross from Tess Laplacette. The OM Campus rose to its feet to celebrate the goal that brought the team closer to the title. The sending off of Toulouse's Chloé Marty just before the half-hour mark suggested that things would be even easier for Frédéric Gonçalves' players. But that was not to be.

Back from the dressing room, and down to ten players, TFC equalised. With the score at 1-1, RC Lens were crowned champions. OM quickly regrouped and stepped up the pace of the game. Marseille's second goal soon followed, courtesy of Laura Bourgouin. Then, at the end of the match, Darlina Joseph, who had come on shortly before, scored the third. The goal was scored at the same time as Mama Diop was being carried off by firefighters after being hit on the shoulder.

At the final whistle, the Olympique de Marseille women's team celebrated winning the Seconde Ligue French championship. Everyone hugged each other as the medals and cup were presented. Pablo Longoria, who was present at the OM Campus, savoured the moment, the day after the men's team finished second in Ligue 1.

Once the medals had been placed around the necks of the players and staff members, the trophy was presented in front of the OM Campus stands, which were still packed. Confetti flew through the wind-swept Marseille sky as the cup was raised.

The celebrations lasted nearly an hour on the pitch, with the players' families, friends and loved ones. Cameras clicked away around the champions‘ arch before the well-deserved party continued in the changing rooms.

The U17s’ qualification for the semi-finals of the national championship, second place in Ligue 1 and the Seconde Ligue title rounded off a great weekend for OM!

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OM – Toulouse FC: 3-1

2024-2025 season – Second League – Matchday 26

OM Campus

Referee: Clémence Gonçalves

Half-time: 1-0

TFC sending off: Marty (29)

OM goals: Scannapieco (10), Bourgouin (53), D. Joseph (86) – TFC: Bironien (49)

OM: N'Gazi (Verdier 90), Couasnon, Khezami (Khezami 72), T. Joseph, Laplacette, Blanchard, Bourgouin, Paprzycki, Perret (Kbida 90), Scannapieco (D. Joseph 72), Diop (Léger 66)

Coach: Frédéric Gonçalves

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