History of Le Classique

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Le Classique (French pronunciation: [lə klasik], The Classic),[1] also known as Derby de France,[2] is a football match contested between French top-flight clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille. The term "Le Classique" is modeled on the El Clásico, contested between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The so-called "French clásico" has a historical, cultural and social importance that makes it more than a simple football game, facing capital against province and the chosen ones of French football against their "enfants terribles". The match is often referred to as the North versus the South as the duo represent Paris, the national capital, and Marseille, the chief city of southern France. Many French people, including "Les Marseillais", dislike Paris due to its dominant political, cultural and economic influence.[3] By extension, they tend to dislike its chief football team, Paris Saint-Germain, mainly supported by Paris born people. As the best-supported club, Olympique de Marseille also attracts its share of detractors. The rivalry may not be the oldest in France's top flight, but it is undoubtedly the fiercest and most significant both on and off the pitch, being a fixture that divides loyalties right around the country. It is the most followed football match in France, watched by millions of people in the country. The southerners have been around for over a century now, while "Les Parisiens" only came into being in 1970, and in their early meetings there was little indication the two would become deadly adversaries as initially both clubs were two worlds apart.[4]

Droit Au But

PSG and Paris FC went separate ways.

The situation between both clubs were two worlds apart. Olympique de Marseille was living their first period of domination in French football, while PSG celebrated their first birthday in the top-flight after winning the Division 2. Despite the rivalry didn't began until two decades later, the "Classico"'s first edition was held on 12 December 1971 in Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome during the 1971-72 season. Driven by playmaker Roger Magnusson, OM enjoyed a good start in the opening period as Bernard Bosquier and league top-scorer Josip Skoblar gave them the lead. Just before the break, Joseph Bonnel's own goal gave Paris some oxygen. Early in the second half, Didier Couécou restored Marseille's two-goal lead and seemed to have killed the match. Captained by ex-OM Jean Djorkaeff, PSG didn't bowed their head and Michel Prost pulled one back with twenty minutes left. The drama built towards the end of the match, when a flurry of chances for both sides might have turned the match either way. In the final minutes, OM claimed victory after Skoblar completed his brace. "Les Marseillais" were proclaimed League and French Cup champions, while Paris FC and Paris Saint-Germain split, with Paris FC merging with CA Montreuil and remaining in the top division, while PSG assumed amateur status and continued life in the third division.[5]

Paris Saint-Germain climbed back to Division 1 in the 1974-75 season while, in a twist of irony, Paris FC was relegated that same year. PSG became the only French club to chain two consecutive promotions from Division 3 to Division 1. PSG then shocked everyone in France, when President Daniel Hechter signed French footballing legend Just Fontaine to form a coaching duo with Robert Vicot and paid Sedan a record 1.3m francs for Argelian star, Mustapha Dahleb.[5] Olympique de Marseille met newly promoted PSG and received them with a new 4-2 victory marked by another stelar performance from Josip Skoblar, who scored a brace and became top-scorer in what would became France's fierciest rivalry. Revenge was reserved for Paris in the French Cup, where the capital club defeated Marseille in the quarter-finals. No capital club had reached the French Cup semi-finals since Stade Français in 1965. The first leg took place at the Vélodrome where, despite falling two goals behind, PSG equalized thanks to a brace from François M'Pelé. With an attendance record of 46,471 at the Parc des Princes, Paris recorded their first ever victory over OM thanks to goals from Louis Floch and Jacky Laposte. The end of the match saw the suspensions of Brazilian Jairzinho and Caju, both from Marseille. Caju was given a four-match veto for insulting the referee while Jairzinho received one-year ban for hitting the principal.[6]

During the late 1970s, Olympique de Marseille established themselves as the top dogs not just locally but nationally as well, completely overshadowing the efforts of "Les Parisiens" to break into the French elite. In the first fixture, Paris Saint-Germain opened the score through ex-OM Jean-Pierre Dogliani, but the southerners equalized ten minutes later through François Bracci. During the second half, Olympique de Marseille outclassed the capital club and took the lead via Albert Emon and Héctor Yazalde. Louis Floch pulled one back for PSG and gave drama to the end of the match, but the damage was done and "Les Phocéens" escaped from the Parc des Princes with the victory. On 13 October 1975, ironically, Humberto Coelho, Jacky Novi, Mustapha Dahleb and Nabatingue Toko, reinforced OM for a charity match against Flamengo. At the Vélodrome, things weren't different as Hervé Florès scored a brace for Marseille in three minutes before Louis Floch's consolation goal gave emotion to the final ten minutes. The latter became the first player to score in three successive "Clasicos".[7] Nothing changed and PSG ended another campaign without being able to defeat Marseille. Like last season, Paris took the lead thanks to Michel Baulier's own goal, but goals from Michel Baulier and Nebojša Zlatarić before reaching regular time gave Marseille a dramatic win over PSG.[8]

Wind of change

Droit Au But ("Straight to the Goal").

Edging closer to "the Eighties", it seemed that Paris Saint-Germain would register another year to forget in the "Clasico" after another defeat away to Olympique de Marseille in a match which the hosts controlled from start to finish despite a last minute goal from Carlos Bianchi from the penalty spot. However, the capital club broke the negative run with the rivalry's biggest victory at the Parc des Princes. Led by Bianchi and Mustapha Dahleb, and coached by Jean-Michel Larqué, PSG dedicated the win to their chairman Daniel Hechter, who was dismissed for a case of double ticketing. Saar Boubacar's early goal seemed to signal another victory for the southerners, PSG fought back into the match as François Brisson and Dahleb gave the lead to the capital before the break. Paris outclassed their visitors with Marius Trésor's own goal and a second from François M'Pelé. Later on, M'Pelé converted from the penalty spot and crushed "Les Phocéens" title aspirations as well as matching Josip Skoblar's four goals in what would then become the "Derby de France".[9]

Coincientally after their 5-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the white of Olympique de Marseille began to fade. Up the road, meanwhile, their rivals were beginning to waken from their slumber, roused by the arrival of President Francis Borelli, the man who would slowly but surely build the club which collected its first silverware during the 1980s. The roles turned upside down with the capital club recording six wins in a row including a highly-contested victory that season. In an electrifying start to the match, Marseille struck two minutes from the start through Marc Berdoll, but saw their goal cancelled three minutes later by Bernard Bureau. After the break, Mustapha Dahleb and Armando Bianchi, from the penalty spot, gave Paris the lead. OM broke out from their lethargy and cancelled the capital's lead after back-to-back goals from Berdoll and Robert Buigues. Despite the incredible comeback, Carlos Bianchi killed off any remaining hope for an exhausted Marseille side.[10]

Two more victories from Paris Saint-Germain over Olympique de Marseille combined with the southerners relegation added yet more spice to a recently intense duel. Trailing early on, due to Didier Six's opener, PSG came back with goals from Abel and Dominique Bathenay. PSG then recorded their third consecutive victory over Marseille with a well-earned 2-0 result at the Vélodrome. PSG youngster Antoine Garceran ended up with a fractured fibula and an ankle complication which almost costed his season after a hard tackle from Robert Buigues. Saar Boubacar became the first player to score for both clubs in the "Clasico".[11] After an historic age, in which "L'Olympique" went on to win two French Cups, two League titles and one French Supercup, the victories vanished. The unthinkable occurred when a side rich with French internationals including Marius Trésor, Marc Berdoll and Didier Six, failed to prevent demotion to the second flight. President Marcel Leclerc, the mind behind Marseille's success, was forced to leave the club on 19 July 1972 as he threatened the FFF to withdraw his club from Division 1 because they refused to accept more than two foreign players in one team. Leclerc wanted to acquire Hungarian star Zoltán Varga but he had already two foreigners in his squad. Marseille backed the FFF and fired Leclerc. Like a curse, his departure was followed by a prolonged drought of titles with OM only winning one French Cup in 1976. The fans had to wait nearly a decade to see their team win another title.[12] PSG were ready to embark upon a historic decade. With charismatic President Francis Borelli setting the tone, the likes of Safet Sušić and Luis Fernández became the club's first stars, followed closely behind by its first titles.[13]

Les Enfants Terribles

PSG fans in the 2006 French Cup Final.

Paris Saint-Germain tasted their first honour in their predilect competition, the French Cup in 1982. The road was tough with Marseille felling by the wayside before PSG defeated Michel Platini's Saint-Étienne in the final on penalties. It appeared that fate, since joining the duo for the first time in 1971, was cooking a passionate and fierce rivalry as both clubs met again in the last-16. Two years after their relegation, the province wanted revenge against the capital. However, success was long gone from the Vélodrome and Paris went on to win the first leg thanks to Luis Fernández. Looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, an ambitious Marseille arrived at the Parc des Princes, but in fifteen minutes Dominique Rocheteau and Michel N'Gom, signed by Paris from Marseille, crushed their faith as Georges Peyroche's men achieved their ticket to the quarter-finals and a fifth consecutive victory over OM.[14] A year later, PSG confronted Nantes in the French Cup final, with the result being just as good for the capital. These breakthroughs opened the doors to Europe and some memorable encounters, particularly with Waterschei in 1983 and with Juventus in 1984. PSG's first season in Europe was a complete success, reaching the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup before being eliminated by Waterschei. 2-0 winners in the first match, "Les Parisiens" overconfidence cost them the semi-finals as the Belgians achieved a 3-0 victory after extra-time. Again in the Cup Winners' Cup, PSG even produced one of the most famous nights in their history, cruelly going out on away goals to eventual champions Juventus (a squad including no other than Michel Platini and the majority of the 1982 FIFA World Cup winners).[5] These successes were enough for French magazine France-Football to name PSG "Club of the Year" in 1982 and 1983.[15][16]

Olympique de Marseille returned to Division 1 after placing faith in a generation of local youngsters guided by a certain Éric Di Meco. Nicknamed "Les Minots", this youthful line-up was ready to play a part in the club's greatest achievements a few years later. Marseille ended in 17th place just two points over the relegation zone. Their Parisian counterparts finished four steps ahead, were eliminated in the last-32 of the UEFA Cup, but looked for a third French Cup in four years, losing out to AS Monaco. Paris Saint-Germain welcomed newly promoted Marseille with their sixth consecutive victory marked by a stelar performance from youngster William N'Jo Léa, son of Cameroonian and Saint-Étienne legend Eugène N'Jo Léa, who scored his first goal in his first appearance for the club. Later that campaign, Marseille broke their negative run as Hervé Flak's opener and a brace from Tschen La Ling gave "Les Minots" two crucial points in their fight for survival at the Vélodrome. Despite a poor season, OM's return to the French elite brought equilibrium to the forthcoming and inevitable antagonism with PSG.[17] And it was a little over two years later after the cup loss to the principality side, that Paris Saint-Germain clinched their maiden French title, going an amazing 26 matches without defeat and breaking the 22 from Saint-Étienne in the 1957-58 season.[5] PSG became the first club from Paris to won the league since RCF Paris in 1936. The city exploded with joy and fireworks blazed in the sky celebrating the first championship of the club as the eventually violent "Boulogne Boys" emerged. They were groups of supporters located in the Kop of Boulogne, a stand in the Parc des Princes. After their victory over Toulouse, PSG took the top spot in the league for the first time in their history and occupied it until the end of the 1985-86 season. Not even Marseille escaped to the devastating display from Paris as the capital outfit resolved the match in half-an-hour at the Parc des Princes. PSG controlled the match with a masterful pace as Luis Fernández scored in the first minute before Robert Jacques doubled the advantage twenty minutes later.[18]

Struggle for power

PSG 1–3 OM (15-03-2009).

On 12 April 1986, celebrations at Paris were brought to a halt as Bernard Tapie became President thanks to Marseille mayor Gaston Defferre. After a 12th league finish and a defeat to Bordeaux in the French Cup final, the Parisian-born Tapie began to build what would become one of the greatest teams ever seen in France. His first recruitment was German star defender Karlheinz Förster. He was followed by the signing of Alain Giresse, a member France's "Carré Magique" in the Euro 84 winning team. Jean-Pierre Papin, the best striker in French football, joined them after breaking his pre-contract with Monaco. French prospect Franck Passi, lethal strikers Bernard Genghini and Patrick Cubaynes, and the so-called "Balkan Maradona" Blaž Slišković also joined Éric Di Meco's Marseille. Tapie's arrival brought to mind the Marcel Leclerc era, with stars swarming to the Vélodrome and success trailing close behind. His first season ended up being a very frustrating one as OM finished runner-up in both the league and French Cup to their "bête noire", Bordeaux. Marseille consoled themselves with their biggest victory against a descending PSG which finished 7th and was prematurely eliminated from the French Cup and the European Cup. Pierre Reynaud's debut with Paris was marred by an outstanding performance from Patrick Cubaynes, who scored a brace for the southerners.[19]

Bernard Tapie brought more highly regarded players to the squad. German star and prolific goal-scorer Klaus Allofs joined Marseille and formed a temible partnership with Papin in the attack. The second "Galactic" signing was Abedi Ayew, nicknamed Abedi "Pelé" in recognition of his superior ability which evoked comparisons to Brazilian great Pelé. A big part of the squad's block including Christophe Galtier, Jean-Pierre Bade, Thierry Laurey,Blaž Slišković and Cubaynes, left the club while further recruitment didn't covered up the holes. Thus a side which looked to rub shoulders with the French elite failed to match the expectations. The southerners reached the Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals but missed out European action for the following season after finishing in a disappointing 6th place in the league and being prematurely eliminated from the French Cup. It was even worse for Paris Saint-Germain following a period of financial and administrative uncertainty in France which took a stranglehold on French football. Thirteen out of twenty players which formed PSG's winning team in the 1986 league title had left. After players such as Luis Fernández, Dominique Rocheteau and Jean-Marc Pilorget departed, Paris was left moribund being quickly eliminated from the French Cup and finishing 15th, just two points from the drop. Simultaneously, the effects of football hooliganism began to plague France and PSG was no exception, with games in the stands becoming a battleground for fighting, distastefulness and racism. Having flirted with danger of relegation throughout the season, PSG arrived at the Vélodrome in 18th place and looking for a victory which would get them off Division 2. 4th-placed Marseille needed a win to boost their European hopes. Safet Sušić opened the score for PSG before OM responded five minutes later through Jean-Pierre Papin. After the break, Gabriel Calderón's strike in the final minutes earned the capital outfit two crucial points which ultimately allowed them to keep their elite status.[5]

A new dawn

Didier Deschamps led OM to their first title in 18 years.

Having failed to win a single title since their 1976, meaning a drought of 13 years that must have seemed like an eternity to OM's supporters, Bernard Tapie named Gérard Gili manager. It was a big surprise for everyone involved with the club as the former Marseille goalkeeper had no previous coaching experience. After being part of the French under-21 side side that won the 1988 U21 European Championship, he was signed by Marseille, the club he supported as a boy, for 22 millions francs, a French record fee at the time. Philippe Vercruysse, later recognized as one of the best number 10 in football at the time, and key player Franck Sauzée joined Cantona at the Vélodrome. At the same time, Paris Saint-Germain appointed experienced Tomislav Ivić as coach, who arrived at Paris having won everything with Porto. Without any major signings, Ivić took charge of a descending Paris side commanded by old dogs Safet Sušić, Oumar Sène and Daniel Xuereb, and managed to pull-off an almost fantastic season if it wasn't for Marseille's comeback to the forefront of the French game during that campaign.

The increased wealth gradually helped widen the gap between the two city rivals, with Olympique de Marseille entering a golden age not just nationally but European as well. Meetings between the two clubs became relevant during the 1988–1989 season. The 1989 clash at the Vélodrome played a major part in shaping the rivalry as we know it today. With both clubs tied on points and just three games left in the season, the match was a virtual title decider. And the championship looked to be heading Paris' way when the match remained scoreless. Just a few minutes before the final whistle, PSG striker Amara Simba wasted the coronation ball after losing his duel with Marseille's goalkeeper Gaëtan Huard.[20] With just a few seconds remaining, an unstoppable long-range strike by Franck Sauzée gave "Les Phocéens" the points and set them on the road to their first league crown since 1972. Ten days later, Marseille laid their hands on their first French Cup since 1976 after defeating Monaco in a match marked by a legendary hat-trick from Jean-Pierre Papin. The title sealed OM's second double in their history, the first coming during the 1971-72 season. Gérard Gili gave reason to Bernard Tapie's decision as it would be the start of five successive championship wins, a record at the time, as well as laying down the building blocks for European triumph, too, with substantial help coming from Tapie's investment and the appointment of high-profile coaches within the following seasons.[4]

In the pursuit for European glory, superstars started filling the Vélodrome's lawn. Uruguayan celebrity Enzo Francescoli, French prospect Didier Deschamps and "Magic Chris" Chris Waddle, considered as the heir of Roger Magnusson, arrived at the south. Expectations were high as Marseille began the 1989-90 season with the possibility of winning three trophies. After achieving the double in his first season without any experience at high level, Gérard Gili won a consecutive league title, but failed to get through the semi-finals of both the French Cup, against an inspired RCF Paris, and the European Cup, against Benfica thanks to Vata's infamous hand goal in the last minutes of the match. Despite a frustrating season, spearheaded by the brilliant "Magic Chris", third most expensive signing at the time, Marseille won the first "Classico" of the season. After he opened the score in the first half, a brilliant final fifteen minutes, in which Francescoli responded to Zlatko Vujović's equalizer, gave "L'Olympique" the victory. Although Paris Saint-Germain's season was a deception, finishing 5th, out of European play and being prematurely eliminated from the French Cup, the capital outfit had the last laugh that year, but not the longest. Three days after being injustly eliminated from the European stage, Marseille bowed again at the Parc des Princes. Falling behind quickly into the first half, PSG woke up and through Gabriel Calderón, from the penalty spot, and Vujović, in the final minutes, reverted Franck Sauzée's opener. Ironically, PSG's winning goal came during the 83rd minute, the same minute as Vata's hand. It would prove to be Paris' truly last laugh for five years, as Marseille dominated the fixture and did not lose to their northern rivals between 1990 and 1995.[4]

First taste

Franz Beckenbauer led Marseille to the 1991 European Cup Final.

The 1990s witnessed French football enter a golden age not just continentally but worldwide as well. Olympique de Marseille continued to prove themselves as one of Europe's top sides, picking up one more league title and a runner-up place in the European Cup. The return of Abedi Pelé, the signing of Basile Boli and the arrival of Franz Beckenbauer as coach, would saw "Les Marseillais" witness an irrepetible season. Meanwhile, poor results saw the "Boulogne Boys" demand the resignation of President Francis Borelli. PSG was in great financial danger and the bankruptcy was not far away. After a couple of league defeats to Marseille, PSG fans wanted revenge in the last-16 of the French Cup. A brilliant second half from Chris Waddle dismantled PSG's aspirations. Marseille opened the score in the first minute of the second period through Laurent Fournier and then doubled the lead from the penalty spot via Jean-Pierre Papin. Following the final whistle, "Magic Chris" was cheered by the Parc des Princes. After claiming the league, Marseille received a huge psychological blow as Franz Beckenbauer abandoned the club in order to become the Vice-president of Bayern Munich. "Der Kaiser" was replaced by Raymond Goethals, whose first challenge was the European Cup Final. Marseille arrived with the chance of becoming the first French club to win a European trophy. Yugoslavia side Red Star Belgrade, however, defeated OM in the penalty shoot out. Manuel Amoros' miss for the French side proved crucial, as Red Star held their nerve to win their first European Cup.[21]

A month later, Olympique de Marseille were condemned to a consecutive loss after Monaco's Gérald Passi scored the only goal of the French Cup Final. Marseille, however, received some good news as European Cup and Division 1 top-goalscorer Jean-Pierre Papin won the Ballon d'Or. He was the first player to win the award while playing for a French club. Stamina, endurance, belief, agility and good technique characterised an OM line-up which last season had the footballing world sitting up and paying attention. The 1991-92 season seemed to be the high-flying southerners time to make their mark on the European Cup, but they only managed to reach the second round before being surprised by a determined Sparta Prague. A third consecutive league title gave OM some air before another setback left them with only one trophy for a second consecutive season. On 5 May 1992, the Armand Césari Stadium disaster occurred and the French Cup was cancelled. Bastia was facing Marseille for the French Cup semi-finals at the Stade Armand Cesari. The Bastia board added a large-capacity stand to increase the number of seats by 50%. Local authorities approved the project without restrictions. Before the game, the stand collapsed, killing 18 and leaving over 2,300 injured.

On 31 May 1991, satellite firm Canal+ purchased Paris Saint-Germain and invested huge amounts of money into the game with a pay per view TV deal. It was the turning point in PSG's history as Canal + gave a boost to a club that was gradually falling into mediocrity. Ranging from disappointment to disappointment, the Parisian club was soon to confirm as the leading club in the capital. Through Canal+ PSG received a whopping 40% of their income from televised games and thanks to this money, the capital club embarked on a spending spree, buying the best talent in France and the world, and eventually building what would become one of the greatest teams ever seen in "L'Hexagone".[5] Driven by the recent success of Marseille in the Champions League and its popular success, Vice-president Bernard Brochand and Alain Cayzac imagined a "Great Project" for PSG in collaboration with Pierre Lescure's Canal+. After bringing the club's debt from 51 millions francs to zero, Michel Denisot, then Châteauroux President, was designated as the club representative while Francis Borelli pushed toward the exit. Artur Jorge arrived as new coach and was given an envelope with ₣120m in order to put together a great squad. It marked a real transition for PSG as twelve players left the club including the club's last star, Safet Sušić. On the other hand, eleven new signings arrived. Players like Valdo, Ricardo, Paul Le Guen, David Ginola and Laurent Fournier came to sign the best years of PSG's history.[22] Now enjoying serious investment, the capital outfit was able to set their sights steadily higher and the campaign was a huge success for Paris compared to recent seasons, finishing 3rd in the league and qualifying for the UEFA Cup.[13]

Forever first

Marseille's line-up in the 1993 UEFA Champions League Final.

1993 saw Olympique de Marseille reached both the very pinnacle and the very bottom of the European club game. A corruption scandal and a Canal+'s shining light for Paris Saint-Germain would threaten their hegemony. The European Cup was denied, but the glory would eventually come for Marseille. As the European Cup was renamed the Champions League in 1992–93, Marseille reached the Final for the second time in three years, but this time they prevailed. "Les Phocéens" won Group A and suddenly found themselves in the Final against Milan. Basile Boli hit home the winning goal as Marseille became the first French side to win a European trophy and the only to win the Champions League. Didier Deschamps and Fabien Barthez became the youngest captain and goalkeeper, respectively, to capture the title.[23] Their fans greeted the triumph by chanting "A jamais les premiers" which referred to the fact that they won the first "Classico" against PSG in 1971. The city exploded with a joy shared across the nation but no sooner had the trophy been hoist aloft than the celebrations were brought to a halt.[4]

A corruption scandal revolving around a match against Valenciennes emerged a few days before the European Final.[24] Allegations of match fixing were levelled at them and their president Bernard Tapie. It is believed that Tapie bribed Valenciennes to lose so that Olympique de Marseille would win the French League earlier, giving them more time to prepare for the Champions League Final.[25] Valenciennes players Christophe Robert, Jorge Burruchaga and Jacques Glassmann claimed that the Marseille midfielder Jean-Jacques Eydelie offered them ₣250,000 to "take the foot off of the gas" in a May 20 match against OM.[26] Marseille was later stripped of their league title and relegated to Division 2 by the French Football Federation, while Bernard Tapie was forced to step down as its President. Marseille was not stripped of the Champions League, as the match in question was not in that competition, but lost the right to play in the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League.[27] No winner was declared for the 1992–1993 season. The LFP allotted the title to Paris Saint-Germain but Canal + refused it. The TV chain feared the reactions of their subscribers in Provence and threatened to withdraw football completely if the title was allotted to PSG. Ultimately the LFP decided that the 1993 title would remained unattribuated. Canal + even refused letting the club participate in next year's UEFA Champions League after OM's exclusion by the UEFA.[28]

A totally different fortune graced the French capital, as the 1990s proved even more fruitful, with Paris Saint-Germain entering a golden age. Prolific Liberian marksman George Weah, who followed in the footsteps of PSG's many fine strikers, was perhaps one the greatest talents that ever played at the Parc des Princes. His arrival was key to the club's astonishing campaign. Finishing in a suspicious 2nd place, due to Marseille's bribery scandal, and winning their third French Cup and first trophy since 1986, without conceding a single goal (national record), was not enough. One season after Canal+'s appearance, PSG was back in European action, this time in the UEFA Cup. The capital club accomplished an unforgettable campaign defeating PAOK, Napoli, Anderlecht and Real Madrid, before PSG's "bête noire", Juventus, ended the dream in the semi-finals.[13] Not everything was great at Paris as Olympique de Marseille continued to dominate the "Classico", claiming victory in both league encounters. With both clubs at the top of the table, PSG coach Artur Jorge unwisely declared that his side would "walk all over" Marseille. Bernard Tapie cut out the offending newspaper article and stuck it up in OM's dressing room in order to motivate his players. 90 minutes later they walked away with the points. The return match was played three days after Marseille had defeated Milan in the Champions League final. The European champions and league leaders welcomed "Les Parisiens" in a match that would decide the fate of the title. Marseille quickly fell behind but responded with three consecutive goals. Among them was undoubtedly one of the best goals ever scored in the fixture to date: a 18-yard header from Basile Boli.[4]

Paris Est Magique

File:Coupe des Coupes 1996.jpg
The Cup Winners' Cup trophy, PSG's most prestigious honour.

Paris Saint-Germain became a glittering array of stars and if the 1970s had given birth to the dominance of Saint-Étienne, the mid-1990s were surely their golden age. PSG clinched their second league title, going an amazing 27 matches without defeat and breaking their own 26 from the 1985-86 season. PSG then reached a second consecutive European semi-final before being defeated by eventual champions Arsenal in the Cup Winners' Cup. PSG then became the only French club to win both the French Cup, defeating Marseille for the first time in five years in the semi-finals, and the inaugural League Cup. But the best was to come as Paris reached yet another European semi-final before being ousted by Milan. PSG became only the second club, the first being Milan in the 1992-93 edition, to win all their UEFA Champions League group stage matches. PSG was graced with more good news: George Weah won the Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year and the African Footballer of the Year in 1995. He became the first and so far only player to receive these awards while playing for the capital club.

Paris Saint-Germain then claimed the inaugural French Supercup against Nantes, but lost the league title to Auxerre, which until the final days was ten points behind, and was prematurely eliminated in both domestic cups. On 8 May 1996, however, PSG became the youngest European club to win a European Cup in their 26th birthday. Driven by French playmaker Youri Djorkaeff, PSG became the second and last French club to win a European title, beating Rapid Wien in the Cup Winners' Cup Final thanks to Bruno N'Gotty's indirect free kick. Luis Fernández became the first and, so far only, French manager to win a major European trophy. This prestigious victory was not enough to keep Fernández in the hotseat and, following the missed championship, he left PSG at the end of the season.[29]

Ricardo, alongside Joël Bats, returned to coach the capital club. It was the beginning of the end for PSG's golden age. "Les Parisiens" prematurely eliminated in both domestic cups and finished runners-up to Monaco. The "Classico" was marked by a giant jersey of about 42 to 28,5 meters and 1200 kg that was deployed in the Tribune d'Auteuil. It became a record in French football and PSG entered in the Guinness Book of Records. Things seemed to get worse after PSG lost the UEFA Super Cup to Juventus 9-2 on aggregate, a record in the history of the cup. Despite poor results at national level and a younger squad, after departs from key players such as Youri Djorkaeff, the side qualified for a second consecutive European final against Ronaldo's Barcelona in the Cup Winners' Cup. The final saw the last instance of the Cup Winners' Cup "jinx" – that no club had successfully retained the cup in successive seasons- with PSG failing to defend the trophy that they won in 1996. PSG, however, became the only French club to reach two successive European Cup finals. Between 1993 and 1997, the club managed to reach five consecutive semi-finals. This record is shared with Real Madrid and Ajax.[30]

Once again, PSG won both the French Cup and the League Cup during the 1997-98 campaign. The league race, however, was a complete disappointment as PSG finished 8th and out of European action. Marseille's return to Division 1 brought even more frustrations to PSG as they couldn't managed to beat the southerners in the league. The first match of the season would saw one of the most polemics "Classicos" in the history. Xavier Gravelaine opened the score for Marseille only to see Jérôme Leroy equalize for the capital side. So far so good. After the break, however, Fabrizio Ravanelli provoked an imaginary penalty that the referee sentenced. "Les Parisiens" confronted both the referee, for his decision, and Ravanelli, for his simulation. Despite the angry protests, the penalty was ratified and Laurent Blanc gave "Les Marsellais" the victory and their twelve league match without a defeat against their arch-rivals.

Mixed fortunes

OM fans in the 2006 French Cup Final.

After two great seasons, Ricardo left the capital club with a talented squad from the back to front. But just as Paris Saint-Germain had assembled it, it was soon broken up through the years. Although France had increased its stature and wealth, it still wasn't as attractive and lucrative as Spain, England, or Italy. And slowly but surely, Paris' best talent was sold off one by one. The 1997-98 season, probably signalled the end of PSG's dominance in the domestic and European game. Several high finishes offered the Parisian players more chances in Europe, including the opportunity to play for the likes of Bayern, AC Milan, and Barcelona. And to the considerable chagrin of the club's supporters, PSG have never threatened to hit those same heights since. Ironically the end of PSG's golden age marked the return of nice memories for the Parisian fans against Olympique de Marseille.[5]

In 1998-99, despite a disastrous season that saw the sacking of three coaches and two presidents, PSG earned a dramatic 2–1 win over Marseille, their first victory in the league over their arch-rivals in almost ten years. A fight between residents of Virage Auteuil and Marseille supporters a few hours before gave the encounter a red hot ambiance. OM's strong start was rewarded with a goal from ex-PSG Florian Maurice, seizing Bruno Carotti's mistake. Although Bordeaux was winning at the same time against Lens, "Les Marsellais" partial victory over PSG would be enough to keep them in the driving seat. However, six minutes from time, a 20-yard shot from Marco Simone equalized for Paris before Bruno Rodriguez scored the winning goal. The fact that Marseille would finish the season a point behind eventual champions Bordeaux made the triumph even more special for the capital side. OM was fined with ₣5m due to the disturbances caused by their fans after the match.[31]

During 1999-2000, Paris Saint-Germain's revenge could have been even more sweeter if it wasn't because Marseille's victories in both matches ultimately saved them from relegation. Paris achieved a Champions League spot, while OM was trying to avoid the fall. 2-0 winners at the Parc des Princes, Marseille fell quickly behind after Christian opened the score for PSG. The turning point came after the expulsion of Jérôme Leroy (OM) and Laurent Leroy (PSG). Supercharged by the atmosphere, OM equalized through Sébastien Pérez and outperform their arch-rivals as they eventually won 4–1. Florian Maurice, scorer in the first match, became only the third player to score in three consecutive "Classicos", matching Louis Floch (1975–76) and Alen Bokšić's (1992–93) feat. During 2000-01, "Les Marsellais" continued flirting with relegation and once again maintained their top-flight status after achieving a life-saving victory over PSG thanks to Ibrahima Bakayoko. A new season began and Marseille sticked to their same old bad habits. "Les Parisiens" overcame their mediocrity and achieved European action after finishing fourth in the league. Despite different realities, matches between the two were incredibly tight. After being held to a scoreless draw and being ousted from the French Cup by PSG, Daniel Van Buyten, scorer in the cup tie, gave Marseille the victory at the Vélodrome in April 2002.

Capitalism

PSG celebrates their French Cup win over OM.

Paris Saint-Germain became the dominant side, achieving eight consecutive wins between 2002 and 2004. PSG won all the three matches disputed in 2003, including two wins at the Vélodrome, with superlative performances from Ronaldinho.[4] Carried by a sparkling Ronaldinho, who netted a brace, PSG defeated Marseille by 3–0 at the Parc des Princes and started a nine-match undefeated run against their arch-rivals.[32] Marseille wanted to avenge their loss in the last-32 of the French Cup, but PSG quickly opened the score through Mauricio Pochettino's header after a corner kick from Hugo Leal. The match then turned violent both on and off the pitch. Hard tackles were accompanied by projectiles thrown to the lawn by OM fans. The CRS intervened and reestablished the order. Daniel Van Buyten then headed to level the score and PSG coach Luis Fernández decided to introduce Ronaldinho, who increased the pressure as the match went to extra-time. The Brazilian ace, following a festival of dribbles, assisted Fabrice Fiorèse for the winning goal.[33] Guided by Ronaldinho, who promised to win a title before leaving, PSG reached the French Cup Final, only to lose against Auxerre. The league race, meanwhile, had changed. Marseille was fighting for the title, while PSG was stuck at mid-table. Always present in the great meetings, Ronaldinho went alone from the midfield, leaving the whole defense behind him, dribbled Marseille goalie Vedran Runje and scored. Then he assisted Jérôme Leroy, in an identical play, for the third goal, which sealed PSG's first victory at the Stade Vélodrome in 15 years.[34]

Despite a great 2003–04 season, which saw Paris Saint-Germain take home the Coupe de France, eliminating Didier Drogba's Marseille in the process, and finish runner-up in the league, key players Frédéric Déhu and Fabrice Fiorèse left for Marseille.[35] Pauleta, the star behind PSG's success, stayed and became the only player in Le Classique to score four goals spread in three consecutive matches. The atmosphere became even more heated for the first match. Following an error by the police, OM's bus was bombarded with objects and some windows were broken. PSG's Sylvain Armand, meanwhile, was sent off for an non-existent dangerous tackle over Fabrice Fiorèse midway through the first half. The latter was booed the entire match and when substituted, Paris fans, outraged by his transfer to OM, whistled and chanted him out. PSG opened the score through Pauleta, only to be cancelled by Laurent Batlles. After the break, PSG outperform their arch-rivals and Edouard Cissé scored the second goal from a 25-yard range. Deep in stoppage time, Koke missed an opportunity to equalize and OM had to bow again to PSG.[36] Three days later, Marseille wanted revenge in the League Cup and seemed to have the match won as they had scored twice late in the first half through Benoît Pedretti and Habib Bamogo. Branko Bošković's goal, however, foreshadowed one of the most remembered comebacks in the history of this clash. The latter completed his particular brace in a what would be a nail-biting second half as both sides had chances to win the match. When it seemed extra time was inevitable, Bernard Mendy's last-gasp goal secured PSG's ticket to the following round.[37]

The duo met once again in the 2006 French Cup Final. Earlier that season, polemic once again surrounded the clash as OM President Pape Diouf decided to send a team composed mostly of players from the CFA squad to Paris in protest against the security measures at the Parc des Princes and the non-compliance with quota places. No one thought that OM would leave with points. Marseille surprised a pale PSG team, sinking in the league, and left with one point. PSG was struggling to avoid relegation, while OM was looking for a spot in Europe. Despite being favourites, they were defeated and PSG lifted the French Cup for the seventh time in their history, moving above Saint-Étienne in the record books. PSG went ahead early through Bonaventure Kalou and then doubled the lead with a magnificent 25-yard goal from Vikash Dhorasoo shortly after the break. OM reduced the advantage through Toifilou Maoulida, but it was too late and "Les Parisiens" came out triumphant.[4]

Underachievers

Pauleta, Le Classique's all-time top scorer.

PSG started with difficulties the 2006–2007 campaign as they did not won a game during August 2006. The capital club failed to reach either cup final and found themselves fighting to stay in the top-flight eventually finishing 15th in the league, just three places from relegation. OM had been displaying a very offensive team with Franck Ribéry, Samir Nasri and Mamadou Niang. "Les Parisiens" had been victims of their own defensive mistakes. Against Sochaux, PSG conceded two penalties (the first saved by Mickaël Landreau and the second transformed by Karim Ziani for a final 3–2 defeat). Mamadou Niang's opener from the penalty spot didn't surprised anyone. Through another penalty, this time for the home side, Pauleta equalized for PSG. After the break, Samir Nasri reinstated the lead as Marseille increased the tone. Late in the game, Mickaël Pagis scored the definitive goal following PSG's defensive errors. OM's fans had been waiting almost seven years for this moment as Albert Emon's men managed a first win at the Parc des Princes since 12 October 1999.

Installed in January 2007, coach Paul Le Guen's mission was to rebuild Paris Saint-Germain following their sale by Canal+. Paris' bad dream almost became a nightmare as the club continued to lose momentum in the league eventually finishing in 16th position, just three points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Marseille extended their unbeaten run against Paris to four matches as they finished league runners-up to Olympique Lyonnais. PSG nonetheless won the 2008 League Cup and reached the French Cup Final, losing to Ligue 1 champions Lyon. After two seasons trying to maintain control, "Les Parisiens" were largely rebuilt during the summer transfer market as they were looking to build an ambitious project for the 2008–09 season. It was going to be put to the test against their arch-rivals at the Stade Vélodrome. Marseille arrived unbeaten and with the chance to take the lead if they defeated PSG. Goals abounded as Paris handed Marseille their first league defeat of the season, outscoring their arch-rivals four goals to two and denying them top spot on the table in a thrilling 'clasico' at the Stade Vélodrome. PSG claimed an historic 'clasico' victory - the first time PSG scored four goals at the Vélodrome in any competition - and climbed to 6th place on the league table, just two points behind Marseille in second and four points behind leaders Olympique Lyonnais.[38] The victory was the capital's first win at the Stade Vélodrome since 30 November 2003.[39]

The return leg was scheduled at the Parc des Princes on 15 March 2009. For the first time in many years, the derby was a decisive match in the fight for the league's top spot. After spending the last two seasons fighting to stay in the top-flight, PSG had been transformed this term and found themselves just one point behind leaders Olympique Lyonnais and three ahead of Marseille in third. One of the men responsible for their renaissance was none other than former Marseille midfielder Claude Makélélé, while PSG youth product Lorik Cana had captained OM throughout the campaign. Having beaten Marseille at the Vélodrome, "Les Parisiens" took their tally of wins to 25, just two behind Marseille. PSG had the chance to take the top spot if they defeated their arch-rivals after Lyon's surprising defeat to Auxerre. On the other hand, a victory for OM would leave them just one point behind Lyon. Boudewijn Zenden opened the scoring at the Parc des Princes, but Ludovic Giuly equalized four minutes before the break for PSG, who could have gone top with victory. The game slipped away from the club from the capital, however, when Zoumana Camara was dismissed for a clumsy challenge on Zenden as the Dutchman bore down on goal. From the resulting free-kick, Mickaël Landreau saved Zenden's effort only for the ball to ricochet off the unwitting Bakari Koné and into the net before former PSG midfielder Lorik Cana rubbed salt ino the wounds of his old club with a third to reignite Marseille's title challenge.[40] Seen by 2.6 million viewers, this game broke the record of TV audience for this fixture.[41]

champiOM

OM won the Supercup against PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain was a squad largely descending, residing 12th in Ligue 1, while Olympique de Marseille climbed back into the title race after a good start to 2010.[2] In the rescheduled Clasico, after several Paris players had contracted swine flu, expectation was high for Paris as it could relaunch their season.[42] PSG underperformed and Marseille produced a dominant display at the Stade Vélodrome. Gabriel Heinze's header, who became only the second player to score for both clubs in the Clasico, was enough for OM to take the honours, dominating a struggling Paris to climb to fourth place, just three points shy of leaders Bordeaux.[43] Marseille then enjoyed their biggest ever win and their first back-to-back victories at the Parc des Princes. PSG gave as good as they got in the first half but OM ran out comfortable winners with goals from Hatem Ben Arfa, Benoît Cheyrou and Lucho González.[44] The victory set "Les Marsellais" on the road to their ninth Ligue 1 title, having already clinched their first League Cup against Bordeaux.[45] After the match, Yann L., a "Boulogne Boys" member was attacked by the "Supras Auteuil", another PSG fan group, and was left in a life-threatening coma.[46] On 18 March 2010, he died in the hospital.[47] Antoine Kombouaré's PSG repaid their fans after a tough season as Guillaume Hoarau's extra-time header was enough to claim their eighth French Cup against Monaco and ensure a return to European competition.[48] PSG President Robin Leproux announced the main measures of "All PSG", an anti-violence plan to pacify the Parc des Princes: removal of subscriptions, random distribution of seats and fully supervision by the club over the fans.[49]

French football began with reigning Ligue 1 and French Cup champions clashing in the 2010 Trophée des Champions, a competition that raised great expectations in Tunisia, where local fans bet on Ben Arfa's Olympique, of Tunisian origin.[50] It was the 74th time Le Classique rivals Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain played against each other and was the second match, the first being the 2006 French Cup Final, in the rivalry's history not be contested at neither the Stade Vélodrome or the Parc des Princes. Marseille, backed by their league title and the League Cup, started as theoretical favourites, though their pre-season commitments had been very irregular, with victories over Vannes and Catania, but lost to Monaco and Toulouse, both elite French teams. The irregularity was accompanied by the absences of Mamadou Niang, Jordan Ayew, Brandão, Stéphane M'Bia and Gabriel Heinze. PSG, meanwhile, finished their pre-season without having lost a single match, with their major concern being the absence through suspension of Guillaume Hoarau.[51] "Les Phocéens" made their debut in the Trophée des Champions, although they won it once under the name "Challenge des Champions" in 1971. French Cup holders PSG, with two Supercups, were making their fifth appearance. Despite a lot of clear chances for both sides, the match went to penalties for the fourth time. From the spot, PSG had emerged victorious on a single occasion, back in 1996 thanks to a penalty miss from a certain Claude Makélélé.[52] Ex-Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Cissé struck the winning penalty against his former club as Ligue 1 champions Marseille lifted the first trophy of the season, taking the shootout 5-4 in front of a new Champions Trophy record attendance of 57,000 as it finished goalless following 90 minutes. The shootout got off to the worst possible start for PSG as Péguy Luyindula hit the post and the ball rebounded off Steve Mandanda's head to safety. Though Lucho González's "Panenka" was easily saved by Grégory Coupet, Mandanda blocked Ludovic Giuly's sixth kick and Marseille won their fourth consecutive "Classico".[53]

Recent events

Having conceded their biggest defeat ever in this fixture, 3-0 last season, as well as losing the Champions Trophy against the league champions, PSG faithfuls had been eagerly anticipating the first Derby de France of the season to get revenge. This explosive fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille was given added spice on this occasion as both sides were battling towards the summit of Le Championnat, which has not always been the case over the last decade.[54] After Marseille romped to a record-breaking 7-0 away win over Žilina in the UEFA Champions League, many believed the champions would leave the capital with the three points. Mevlüt Erdinç and Guillaume Hoarau, however, both found their scoring form in a sensational first 20 minutes to set Paris up for a win and rocket them to third place over a Marseille side who struggled to get back into the match despite Lucho González's pulling one back.[55] PSG's fans had been waiting six years for this moment as Antoine Kombouaré's men managed a first win at the Parc des Princes against their arch-rivals since 7 November 2004.[56] Archrivals Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain had to overcome the heartache of midweek European disappointment if they were to triumph in the Clasico at the Stade Vélodrome.[57] Gabriel Heinze and André Ayew scored for Marseille as Didier Deschamps' side beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Clasico to climb to second in the table.[58]

References

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General
  • Pérès, Jean-François (2003). OM-PSG, PSG-OM. Les meilleurs ennemis, enquête sur une rivalité. Mango Sport. ISBN 978-2-84270-434-6. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

External links

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