Analysis The numbers behind the result
Olympiakos edge Marseille with efficiency, not dominance
Olympiakos Piraeus deserved their narrow 1-0 victory over Marseille, despite inferior possession and shooting stats. The Greeks were clinical, converting their one big chance as Santiago Hezze scored from Chiquinho’s assist in the 42nd minute. Marseille dominated possession (56%) and created more chances, registering 11 total shots to Olympiakos’ nine, but were wasteful with an xG of 0.9 compared to Olympiakos’ 0.63. Their nine corners and five shots on target, including two off target, showed a lack of cutting edge.
Tactically, Olympiakos’ defensive discipline proved decisive. They blocked four shots and their goalkeeper made five saves, stifling Marseille’s attacking efforts despite the hosts’ territorial advantage. The Greeks’ compact shape and efficiency in transition were key, with Hezze’s goal coming from a rare incisive break. Marseille’s substitutions, including Neal Maupay and Angel Gomes, failed to unlock a resolute Olympiakos defence.
The decisive stat was Marseille’s shot conversion rate: despite their dominance, they failed to score from their superior xG and chance volume, while Olympiakos capitalized on their moment.