Shocking stats ahead of "Le Classique" between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille!

20.09.26 14:45 Ligue 1 France

Marseille

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Paris Saint-Germain

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The fifth round of the French Ligue 1 season features the historic “Classique” between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille at the Vélodrome; here are some key facts to know about this storied French rivalry.

Paris Saint-Germain enters this match with an inferior goal difference compared to Olympique de Marseille—a rarity between the two sides since the dawn of the modern era of French football.

• read more: Simeone confirms Julián Álvarez is 100% ready for the derby against Real Madrid!

Negative stats for Marseille ahead of the match against Paris Saint-Germain

The numbers make for painful reading if you're an Marseille supporter. According to Opta, the 21st century has brought nothing but misery for OM when they face Paris Saint-Germain — 38 defeats across all competitions, with just 13 wins and 12 draws to show for it. No other opponent has beaten them more often; the next worst offender trails by a staggering 15 losses.

The picture at the Vélodrome is no brighter. In their last 13 league meetings with PSG on home soil, Marseille have celebrated just once, alongside 3 draws and 9 defeats. That lone triumph, however, came in the most recent clash between the two sides a 1-0 victory on 22 September 2025 that will give the hosts a timely boost as they head into the new Classico.

Beyond the rivalry, life has been tough for Marseille this season. Three defeats in their opening four league fixtures have left them with just one win, and they now stand on the brink of an unwanted piece of history: a first-ever start with four losses in their first five top-flight games.

Statistical closeness this season!

According to Goal, the dominance between these two sides goes far beyond results and history. Both teams also sit at the top of the possession charts in the French league this season, with Paris Saint-Germain leading the way on 67.4% and Marseille close behind on 60.8%.

It's a similar story when it comes to passes per possession sequence. PSG complete 5.5, while Marseille manage 5.2 — numbers that reveal a shared philosophy built on patient build-up, sustained possession, and control of the tempo.

For Magnes Akliouche, a recent arrival at Paris Saint-Germain, facing Marseille carries a special kind of memory. He has already scored three goals against them in the French league.

That record makes Marseille one of his favourite victims, level with Rennes. The Classico now offers him a fresh opportunity to keep tormenting the opponent he seems to relish facing most.

So far this season, Akliouche has racked up 396 minutes for the Parisian side across all competitions. Among the attacking players, only Desire Doue has played more, with 399 minutes to his name.

Hazem Mlhem |

Editorar, en

Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

Related teams and leagues

Marseille

Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1 France