September 22, (THEWILL) – A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace earned Olympique de Marseille a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Ajax on Thursday night, as the Ligue 1 side put aside their off-field issues to claim a point in their Europa League opening fixture.
Both clubs headed into the match in strong league form, but Marseille were reeling from the sudden departure of manager Marcelino on Wednesday amid threats from fan groups. With club executives also absent for security reasons, the crisis-hit French side faced a daunting trip to Amsterdam.
Ajax raced into a two-goal lead through Carlos Borges and Steven Berghuis, and should have extended their advantage as chances flowed at both ends in a hugely open first half. Aubameyang spurned a great opportunity when 1-0 down, before Jonathan Clauss pulled one back. The Gabonese forward later made amends by equalising just before the break after good work from Amine Harit.
The second period was no less dramatic as Kenneth Taylor restored Ajax’s lead, capitalising on slack Marseille defending. However, after goalkeeper Pau Lopez denied Steven Bergwijn with a brilliant stop, Aubameyang popped up once again to curl in a vital equaliser after cutting inside. Taylor was wasteful for the hosts late on, before Silvano Vos got a second yellow card and was sent off, as neither side could force a winner in a captivating 3-3 draw.
The share of the spoils leaves Group D finely poised, with AEK Athens, Marseille and Ajax likely to battle for qualification behind favourites pre-favourites Brighton and Hove Albion. Both clubs will quickly turn their attention to big domestic clashes this weekend. Ajax face rivals Feyenoord in De Klassieker on Sunday, while Marseille travel to French champions Paris Saint-Germain on the same day.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
