The Europa League final will be hosted in Lyon this year and contested by Atletico Madrid and Marseille. What can we look forward to in the match?
Reuters/PHILIPPE LAURENSON
The Parc OL in Lyon will host this year’s Europa League final. Marseille have a short journey three hours north to play at their rival’s stadium, while Atletico Madrid do not have too far to travel either.
Marseille overcame RB Salzburg in the dying embers of extra time in their semi-final, while Atletico Madrid beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The Spanish side goes into the final as favourites, but the French team will fancy their chances of an upset.
Here are five things to look forward to for the Europa League final:
1.Dimitri Payet is back to his best
Reuters/PHILIPPE LAURENSON
After a difficult start to his second spell at Marseille, the former West Ham man has found his feet again.
Since the beginning of March, he has scored five goals and assisted 11. Just like he did before the last major international tournament, the Reunion born attacking midfielder is making everything look easy.
Atletico Madrid are renowned for their defensive sturdiness and it could require a pinpoint pass from Payet to unlock the Spanish side's defence.
His goal against RB Leipzig was reminiscent of his days in the Premier League as he skipped past three players before nonchalantly stroking the ball with the outside of his right foot into the top corner.
Atletico may be a different prospect to the teams Marseille have faced so far in the competition, but Payet knows what it’s like to play on the big stage.
2.Florian Thauvin vs Filipe Luis
Reuters/PHILIPPE LAURENSON
The former Chelsea left back recovered from a broken leg in just two months to watch his side beat Arsenal and reach the Europa League final from the bench.
Filipe Luis also featured in Atletico’s most recent La Liga game against Getafe and now looks to be in line to return to the side for the final.
Diego Simeone will be delighted about his comeback as he forms a key part of the meanest defence in Europe.
He’ll be up against Marseille’s star man this season in Florian Thauvin, who has scored 25 goals in all competitions from the right side of a three-man attack.
The ex-Newcastle United man has dominated in Ligue 1 and is responsible for Marseille’s success in the competition.
He has his critics surrounding his performances in big games, so Thauvin will need no encouragement to perform at his best. He has to prove himself, and what a stage to do it on.
The battle between these two could be the key to the match.
3.The atmosphere
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Marseille fans across social media have drawn plenty of attention to the fact that they could lift the Europa League trophy in they bitter rival’s back yard.
Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas has been typically outspoken around the affair and has encouraged all Marseille fans to limit their rowdiness when they visit the city.
OM fans are renowned for their passion and ability to create an intimidating atmosphere.
Ralph Hasenhuttl of RB Leipzig reportedly said although Besiktas had a fantastic ambience, he’d experienced nothing that compares to the Marseille fans in the Stade Velodrome.
Fans of Atletico Madrid are also well known for their strong support. Their rivalry with Real Madrid is well documented and proves they are among the best fans in Europe.
The Atletico fans have had little to cheer this year, so a continental final will be the focus of their joy for the campaign.
4.Atletico's front line
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It will be interesting to see who Diego Simeone lines up in attack against Marseille. Antoine Griezmann is sure to start, but his partner up front is to be decided.
Diego Costa is the favourite to take up the position as he has been favoured by Simeone in recent weeks.
His physical presence may not be as effective against the equally strong centre halves for Marseille in Adil Rami and Rolando.
This could pave the way for Kevin Gameiro to play. His pace and trickery could be more useful against Marseille although it is likely Simeone will keep him on the bench to exploit the French defence later in the game.
Either way, Atletico Madrid have dangerous strikers for the Marseille defence to handle.
5.Goalkeeping excellence
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Naturally, the neutral onlookers for this game will be craving a thrilling game with plenty of goals.
Unfortunately for them, both of the goalkeepers for these sides are among Europe’s best and could keep the score low.
Jan Oblak has been an integral part of Simeone’s phenomenal defensive record at Atletico.
The Slovenian international has conceded just 20 league goals this campaign and was the hero of Atletico’s semi-final first leg away to Arsenal.
Despite facing 28 shots on goal, Oblak only conceded one goal to the North London club.
His opposite number is Steve Mandanda, who Premier League fans might remember from a cameo season at Selhurst Park.
Since returning to Marseille, the stopper has been in great form, and this year won his fifth Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year award.
Mandanda is an athletic goalkeeper and has made several terrific saves this season domestically.
He has missed periods of the season due to injury, though, and is only just returning from a quadriceps strain. He should be fit for the final, but might not be at his spectacular best.
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