Recap: OM Falls in the First Leg to Benfica

Both teams had four shots in the first 45 minutes, but Benfica had two on target, one of which resulted in a goal courtesy of Rafa Silva in the 16th minute. Marseille would dig themselves into a deeper hole in the second half coming out of the dressing room.

The Portuguese team had six total shots, and eventually, former Paris Saint-Germain star Ángel Di María's goal in the 52nd minute allowed Benfica to take a 2-0 lead. 

OM did show fight as the team had eight total shots in the second half and eventually found the back of the net thanks to a goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 67th minute.

Despite the loss, Marseille can still turn the situation around next Thursday at home as they only face a 2-1 aggregate deficit. Les Phocéens will not play this weekend and have a whole week to prepare for the second leg against Benfica. 

Benfica will play on Sunday against Moreirense before they head to the Stade Vélodrome to face Marseille with a ticket to the Europa League semifinal on the line. With As Águias only holding a one-goal advantage, the remaining 90 minutes should make for a thrilling encounter.