Marseille's Europa League Crisis Deepens: Can They Finally Stop the Rot Against Levski Sofia?

Three games. Three defeats. One goal scored. Six conceded. That is the Europa League reality for Marseille right now, and no amount of reputation or history changes what the evidence says. This is a club that has not competed in this competition. Not even close.

Marseille's Form Is a Problem of Basics

Look at the results. Marseille lost to Beşiktaş 4-1 in September. Then they lost to Olympiacos 1-0 in October. Then Sturm Graz came to town and left with a 1-0 win. Three matches, three losses, and a goals against column that tells you everything you need to know about the standards on that pitch.

The thing is, this is not bad luck. Losing to three different sides in three different ways is a mentality and attitude problem. You do not concede six goals in three Europa League matches because your shape was slightly off. You concede six because players are not doing their jobs. The basics are not there.

There is also an injury concern listed in the data for this period, which adds to a picture of a squad that has been scrambling. But injuries are not an excuse for the level of defending we have seen. Accountability does not disappear when someone is unavailable.

Levski Sofia Are No Pushovers

Listen, I know what people will say. Levski Sofia, big Marseille, home crowd, job done. Not so fast. Levski have one win, one draw, and one loss from their three Europa League matches. They beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in October. They drew 1-1 with NEC Nijmegen. They lost 1-0 to Salzburg in September.

That is a side that can compete. They have shown desire and they have taken points in this competition. They are not coming to the Velodrome to roll over. They will look at Marseille's form and they will see exactly the same thing we see.

They have kept zero clean sheets themselves, so goals may well come at both ends. But a side that beat Viktoria Plzen on the road has something about them. Dismissing them would be a serious mistake.

What Needs to Change for Marseille

Marseille need to rediscover what competing actually looks like. Every single one of their three Europa League defeats has been tight or decisive enough to suggest they are not bringing the right attitude to these games. One goal scored in three matches is unacceptable for a club of this size.

The players need to stand up. No more hiding. No more waiting for things to happen. Get on the front foot, win your duels, keep your shape, and execute the basics. That is it. That is the whole conversation.

A home win here is absolutely necessary. Not preferable. Necessary. Anything less and this Europa League campaign becomes very difficult to rescue.

The Verdict

Marseille should have enough quality to win this match at home. But I have watched them for three games in this competition and I have seen nothing that convinces me they will bring the required level of desire and accountability. Levski are organised, they can score, and they are not afraid.

Marseille to win, but do not expect a comfortable evening. End of.