Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain: H2H, Watch Live, Le Classique History & More
While lacking the lengthy history normally associated with other football rivalries, Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain is one of the most fierce in the world.
Marseille were formed in 1899, but it was another 71 years before PSG arrived on the scene and it was another few seasons before the animosity exploded.
We take a closer look at Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain including the H2H (stats correct – March 29, 2023), how to watch Ligue 1 live, the history of Le Classique and more.
Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain H2H
The two sides have met on 105 previous occasions in competitive matches, with PSG leading the H2H 48-34 and 23 draws.
PSG also have the advantage in terms of major silverware, with their tally of 34 trophies outstripping Marseille’s 23.
Notable Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain Results
- Marseille 2-4 Paris Saint-Germain – Coupe De France – May 1975 (aggregate win)
- Paris Saint-Germain 5-1 Marseille – Ligue 1 – January 1978
- Paris Saint-Germain 4-3 Marseille – Ligue 1 – April 1979
- Marseille 4-0 Paris Saint-Germain – Ligue 1 – November 1986
- Marseille 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain – Ligue 1 – May 1988
- Marseille 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain – Ligue 1 – May 1989
- Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Marseille – Ligue 1 – December 1992
- Marseille 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain – Coupe de France – April 2006
Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain Live Streams
BT Sport is the home of Ligue 1 in the United Kingdom and broadcasts selected matches live from every matchday across its channels.
There are several ways to get the service, including direct from BT Sport or as part of subscription packages from Sky Sports.
If you are unfortunate enough to find a geo-blocked live stream, Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology is the best way to circumnavigate this issue.
One of the most reliable services is Express VPN, which can be downloaded to various devices including Android, iOS, Fire TV, PC, Mac and smart TVs.
Le Classique History
Marseille were one of the top clubs in French football before PSG were founded, but their arrival inspired them to new heights and sparked a bitter rivalry.
Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne were their main rivals before 1970, but Le Classique has since become the most important game in the Ligue 1 schedule.
The two clubs are the most successful in France and the only teams from the country to get their hands on major European silverware.
Le Classique is effectively a head-to-head between the two largest cities in France which is underpinned by several different elements.
These include north vs south, capital city vs province, central political hub against the working class and oil money against traditional football values.
The rivalry exploded during the 1988/89 season when the two teams fought for the Ligue 1 title. Marseille triumphed, but there was a sinister undertone to their success.
Marseille claimed more silverware over the following years including the 1992/93 Champions League – a success their fans still use to taunt their PSG counterparts.
The Qatari takeover of PSG in 2011 ultimately shifted the balance of power in France and generated even more bitterness in this particular spat.
Marseille have subsequently been left trailing by PSG, although the capital city club are yet to emulate their rivals’ feat of winning UEFA’s top club competition.
Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain Controversies
Marseille’s title success in 1988/89 was the trigger for what many people claim to be the finest era in French football.
The two clubs won a plethora of trophies over the next few years, but some of the successes were tarnished by an infamous bribery scandal.
Marseille owner Bernard Tapie was found guilty of match-fixing, resulting in them being stripped of the 1992/93 Ligue 1 title.
The disgraced club were forced to participate in the second tier in 1994, leaving the way clear for PSG to win a plethora of trophies.
Marseille fans blame the Parisian political elite for the club’s demise, claiming that their rivals often receive preferential treatment from the authorities.
As befits such a high-profile rivalry, there have been numerous controversies involving the two sets of players in Le Classique encounters.
One of the most noteworthy was in September 2020 in a game that was subsequently dubbed the ‘Battle of Paris’ by French media outlets.
Marseille won the game 1-0, but the latter stages were marred by a full-scale brawl that resulted in the dismissal of five players.
Accusations of racist and homophobic remarks were made in the aftermath, while PSG’s Angel Di María was given a four-game ban for spitting at a Marseille player.
Le Classique games are also notorious for off-field violence, with hooligan firms often engaging with each other whenever the two teams meet.
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