OM Beats Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in Convincing Pre-Season Victory

Marseille secured a convincing 3-1 victory at home against Athletic Bilbao, thanks in part to a strong first-half performance. Playing in front of a well-attended Vélodrome, the Phocaean club found the net through Angel Gomes' strike and a skillful play by Paixão. Youngster Tadjidine Mmadi extended the lead late in the game, while Sancet had equalized for the Basque team.

This fourth summer success sees Bruno Genesio's squad, who made extensive changes, gaining momentum ahead of their upcoming match against Atlético Madrid next Friday at 5:30 PM at the Vélodrome. This will be their final summer test before hosting Strasbourg on August 21st at 8:45 PM for the Ligue 1 season opener.

OM Advances Towards Another Pre-Season Win (3-1)

As added time approached, Bilbao struggled to pose a significant threat at the Vélodrome. OM was on track for their fourth summer victory.

Youngster Mmadi Extends OM's Lead! (3-1)

Assisted by Timber, 19-year-old Tadjidine Mmadi scored with a decisive play near the box. OM led 3-1 and was heading towards a friendly win against Bilbao at the Vélodrome.

Sancet's Header Off Target (2-1)

Bilbao attempted to equalize late in the game against a heavily rotated Marseille side that offered little offensively, exemplified by Neal Maupay's struggles since coming on at halftime.

Hojbjerg Substituted (2-1)

The OM captain, who had a notable performance, was replaced by 18-year-old central defender Mohamed Baradji, who joined last year from PSG.

OM to Conclude Preparation Against Atlético Madrid (2-1)

After this match against Bilbao, Marseille will wrap up their summer preparation with a high-profile friendly against Atlético Madrid next Friday at 5:30 PM at the Vélodrome. Following that, Bruno Genesio's players will host Strasbourg for the Ligue 1 opener on August 21st at 8:45 PM.

Maupay Blocks Abdallah's Shot (2-1)

Following a strong run, Abdallah beat several players, but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Maupay, who had little impact since his halftime substitution.

Hojbjerg's Jersey Torn (2-1)

After a duel with Sancet, the OM captain's jersey was torn down the side. He received a replacement from the Marseille staff.

Wave of Substitutions for Both Teams (2-1)

Mmadi, Koum, Ulysse Garcia, and Abdallah came on for OM, replacing Paixão, Emerson, Angel Gomes, and Harit respectively. Bilbao also made several changes towards the end of the match.

Another Refreshment Break (2-1)

Players from both teams took a break to rehydrate and receive instructions from their coaches. Marseille held a lead, but the friendly match remained uncertain.

Paixão Nearly Scores His Second (2-1)

The Brazilian winger missed an opportunity to extend OM's lead. After a superb backheel pass from Harit inside the box, Paixão couldn't beat the Bilbao goalkeeper, who made a good save.

Timber and Bezahaf Replace Balerdi and Weah (2-1)

Balerdi, still experiencing discomfort in his right leg, was replaced by Timber. Hojbjerg moved to central defense alongside Kondogbia. Weah was substituted by Bezahaf. OM maintained a 2-1 lead against Bilbao in this Vélodrome friendly.

Guruzeta's Missed Volley (2-1)

Following a run by Inaki Williams past Balerdi, who appeared to be struggling physically, the ball fell to Guruzeta, but the Bilbao forward completely missed his turning volley.

Pace Slows Slightly at the Vélodrome (2-1)

The intensity dropped as the match approached the hour mark in this friendly between OM and Bilbao. Bruno Genesio's side led from the first half, with goals from Angel Gomes and Paixão.

Injury Scare for Balerdi (2-1)

The Argentinian defender sat down on the pitch, complaining of pain in his right leg. He went off for treatment on the sideline before returning to his central defensive position alongside Kondogbia.

Harit's Good Run (2-1)

Surrounded by two opponents, Harit managed to accelerate using his technique, but Berchiche stopped him by pulling his shirt. A yellow card was issued to the former PSG fullback.

OM Controls Possession (2-1)

Bruno Genesio's players were in control of the ball at the start of the second half, though they hadn't created significant danger yet.

Hojbjerg's Lob Just Wide (2-1)

The OM captain attempted a subtle chip from the edge of the box, but his lob attempt went wide.

Second Half Begins in OM-Bilbao Match (2-1)

The match resumed at the Vélodrome. No changes were made by the Basque club at halftime.

Several Changes for OM at Halftime (2-1)

Nnadi replaced Abdelli, who appeared to have been affected by a strong tackle from Hector Paredes in the first half. Maupay came on for Gouiri, who lacked effectiveness in the first half. Kondogbia replaced Cornelius in central defense alongside Balerdi.

Halftime: OM Leads Bilbao 2-1 at the Vélodrome!

At the end of a rather engaging first half, Marseille led Athletic Bilbao with the Vélodrome crowd vocally supporting them (2-1). After opening the scoring with a strike from the edge of the area by Angel Gomes, OM conceded an equalizer from Sancet, but Igor Paixão restored the lead with a superb play. Amine Gouiri could have increased the score, but the Algerian forward lacked spontaneity and precision to convert two significant chances. Dominating at home, Bruno Genesio's players displayed a conquering spirit, although defensive lapses allowed the Basques to threaten at times.

Halftime Approaching at the Vélodrome (2-1)

Abdelli got back up and didn't seem to be in pain after Hector Paredes' hard foul. The halftime whistle was expected soon in this friendly between OM and Bilbao. Three minutes of added time were indicated at the Vélodrome.

Paredes Commits a Hard Foul on Abdelli (2-1)

Not only Leandro commits bad fouls with the name Paredes on his jersey. Hector also can take down opponents. The Bilbao defender reminded everyone of this by fouling Abdelli, who stayed down after a severe impact. A yellow card was a minimum punishment.

Paixão's Brilliance, Delight for the Vélodrome! (2-1)

What a goal from Paixão! Receiving the ball on the left wing from Emerson, the Brazilian winger cut into the box, beat a defender, and scored with a sharp shot at the near post. OM regained the lead against Bilbao (2-1).

Gouiri Tries from Distance (1-1)

The Algerian forward attempted to spark an OM revival by shooting from outside the box, but his effort was easily saved by the Bilbao goalkeeper.

Weah Receives a Warning (1-1)

The OM fullback was cautioned for a significant foul. Marseille experienced a slight setback after the Basques equalized.

Bilbao Equalizes!!! (1-1)

A moment of silence in Marseille. The Basque club equalized through an opportunistic goal from Sancet, who followed up well in the box after a shot from Inaki Williams was parried by De Lange. Bilbao managed to score on their first clear chance (1-1).

Marseille Supporters Make Themselves Heard (1-0)

The Olympique fans made their presence felt. The two stands responded by singing their famous 'Aux armes'. A great atmosphere at the Vélodrome.

The Play Becomes More Even Between OM and Bilbao (1-0)

After an opening period clearly dominated by Marseille, Bilbao regained confidence in this friendly. For the past few minutes, the Basques have been matching Bruno Genesio's players, who led 1-0 thanks to Angel Gomes' goal in the 10th minute.

Hojbjerg Leads by Example (1-0)

The Danish midfielder, wearing the captain's armband, had a commanding start to the match. Very active in midfield, the former Tottenham player won numerous balls through his positioning, tenacity, and power. He also utilized his technical skill effectively.

Refreshment Break for Both Teams (1-0)

After an initial phase dominated by OM, who led 1-0 against Bilbao thanks to Angel Gomes' placed shot, both teams took a refreshment break. The temperature in Marseille exceeded 30 degrees.

45,000 Spectators at the Vélodrome (1-0)

OM supporters were present to back their team in this friendly against Athletic Bilbao. Marseille led 1-0 thanks to Angel Gomes' goal in the 10th minute.

Paixão Close to Doubling the Lead (1-0)

Well set up by Gouiri, Paixão unleashed a powerful shot that Padilla struggled to clear. Marseille pushed to extend their lead, encouraged by the Vélodrome crowd.

Cornelius's Good Defensive Intervention (1-0)

After Harit lost the ball in midfield, Cornelius made a very good tackle to stop Bilbao's counter-attack. After regaining possession, the Marseille defender was fouled, resulting in a yellow card for Guruzeta.

Harit's Big Chance (1-0)

OM continued to press against an overwhelmed Bilbao side. Weah, energetic on the right flank, set up Harit in the box, but the Moroccan winger's shot was saved by the goalkeeper. The 2-0 was very close!

Strong Start for OM (1-0)

Marseille showed a promising performance to their supporters at the start of the match. Focused, precise, and motivated, Bruno Genesio's players made a good impression and logically led the score thanks to Angel Gomes' strike from the edge of the area.

Angel Gomes Opens the Scoring!!! (1-0)

Capitalizing on a recovery by Hojbjerg, Angel Gomes fired an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. 1-0 for Marseille against Bilbao!

Gouiri Misses His One-on-One! (0-0)

After a good interception in midfield, Balerdi perfectly launched Gouiri down the center. The OM striker went through on goal alone but missed his duel with Padilla, attempting a chip that the goalkeeper expertly saved. A pity for Marseille. The score remained 0-0 between OM and Bilbao in this Vélodrome preparation match.

Bilbao's First Approach (0-0)

The Spanish team combined well and managed to approach the Marseille penalty area, but Inaki Williams' cross lacked precision.

A Good Move Initiated by Weah (0-0)

The OM fullback made an initial acceleration to start an attack that ended at Paixão's feet, but the Marseille winger's shot was blocked by the Basque defense. Marseille showed an intention to set a quick pace.

OM Attacking Immediately (0-0)

Paixão initiated the first attack down the left wing. Marseille displayed their intentions in the opening moments of the match.

Kick-off for OM-Bilbao!

The whistle has blown at the Vélodrome...

Both Teams Enter the Pitch

The match is about to begin at the Vélodrome. This is the first time this summer that Marseille is playing at home.

Hojbjerg Captains OM

The Danish midfielder is the captain for the Marseillais in this preparation match.

A Fairly Well-Attended Vélodrome

OM's stadium, which can hold nearly 67,000 spectators, was not full for this friendly against Bilbao. However, the stands were quite well-filled, which should allow the Marseillais to be encouraged by their supporters during the peak holiday season.

Hot Weather in Marseille

It was very hot this Sunday in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The friendly match between OM and Athletic Bilbao began with the thermometer exceeding 30 degrees, under a bright sun.

Bilbao to Play Seventh Pre-Season Friendly

On the Vélodrome pitch, the Basque club was set to play its seventh preparation match against OM. Since the start of the summer, Bilbao had secured five wins and one draw before facing Marseille on their home ground.

Marseille on a Two-Match Pre-Season Winning Streak

Before this encounter against Bilbao at the Vélodrome, OM had won their last two friendly matches against Nîmes (2-1) and the Qatari club Al-Shahaniya (3-0). Prior to that, Bruno Genesio's players had started their summer preparation with a win against Yamoussoukro Football Club (3-0) and a loss against Nice (0-3).

OM's Lineup with Gouiri Upfront

Here is the lineup chosen by Bruno Genesio, the OM coach: De Lange - Weah, Cornelius, Balerdi, Emerson - Abdelli, Hojbjerg, Gomes - Harit, Paixão, Gouiri

Bilbao's Lineup with Inaki Williams

Here is the lineup fielded by Edin Terzic, the Athletic Bilbao coach, for this preparation match against OM, with kick-off scheduled for 5:25 PM at the Vélodrome: Padilla - Rincon, Yeray, Paredes, Berchiche - Jauregizar, Canales, Sancet - I. Williams, Navarro, Guruzeta.

Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams, crowned 2026 World Champions with Spain, had not yet returned to play.

'It Will Be a Group with Values,' Genesio's Message to Supporters Concerned About Marseille's Transfer Market

The new Phocaean coach aimed to reassure concerned supporters, as the club had lost key players and had not yet made any new signings since the start of the summer transfer window.

>> Read the article

'The Logical Next Step,' Gouiri Ready to Become OM's Serial Goalscorer

As Amine Gouiri begins his second season with Olympique de Marseille, the Algerian forward spoke to RMC Sport on Friday, August 7th, in the After show, just before the 2026-2027 season, which was expected to be difficult for an OM financially on the brink.

OM Aims for Sporting Improvement

Hello everyone, and welcome to this live football commentary featuring the friendly match between Olympique de Marseille and Athletic Bilbao.

Returning after a training camp in the Netherlands, the Phocaeans are back at the Stade Vélodrome for their fifth friendly match before the season begins. Follow this match live on the RMC Sport website and application.