Sunday evening, Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain were supposed to face each other, but the match has been postponed. Le Classique is temporarily called off due to the expected heavy rainfall in the French port city.
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Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain were originally scheduled to meet on Sunday night at 20:45 in the Vélodrome, in what was expected to be one of the most exciting fixtures of the Ligue 1 season.
The clash, widely known as Le Classique, is the biggest rivalry in French football, often compared to El Clásico in Spain or the Derby d’Italia in Italy. For many fans, it is the match of the year a battle not only between two clubs, but also between two cities and two very different football cultures.
However, just hours before kickoff, the game was officially postponed due to severe weather warnings. Authorities in the Bouches-du-Rhône department reported that Marseille was facing the prospect of heavy rainfall, with forecasts suggesting a significant risk of flooding in the city. In light of these warnings, safety concerns took priority. “The match is being postponed due to possible heavy rainfall with a significant risk of flooding in the city,” a spokesperson told AFP, underlining that the decision was made to protect both players and supporters.
The postponement is a major blow for fans who had been eagerly awaiting this spectacle. Tickets for the Vélodrome had long been sold out, with Marseille supporters preparing to create one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Europe. For PSG fans, many of whom had already traveled to the south of France, the news came as a huge disappointment. Television broadcasters and sponsors are also directly affected, as Le Classique usually draws one of the largest audiences of the Ligue 1 calendar, both in France and internationally.
On the sporting side, the timing could hardly be more delicate. PSG, currently leading the Ligue 1 table, are determined to maintain their momentum in the title race, while Marseille are battling for crucial points to stay in the hunt for European qualification. A delay in playing such a decisive match can disrupt preparation and rhythm for both squads, especially considering the congested schedule ahead, which includes league fixtures, domestic cups, and European commitments. Coaches Luis Enrique and Gennaro Gattuso had both underlined during the week the importance of this match, not only for league standings but also for confidence and morale.
As for the rescheduled date, nothing has yet been confirmed. According to the regulations of Ligue 1, a postponed fixture should normally take place on the following day if circumstances allow. This would mean that the match could, in theory, be played on Monday evening. However, that decision will depend entirely on updated weather forecasts and the ability of the city and stadium to ensure safe conditions. With the risk of flooding still present, organizers may need to wait longer before setting a new date.
The rivalry between Marseille and PSG goes far beyond the football pitch. Marseille, with its working-class identity and passionate southern fanbase, sees itself as the traditional heart of French football. PSG, on the other hand, backed by Qatari ownership since 2011, represents wealth, glamour, and dominance, often accused by rival fans of “buying success.” Whenever these two sides meet, the intensity is palpable matches are fierce, the atmosphere electric, and the entire country stops to watch.
This postponement adds another unusual chapter to the long history of Le Classique. While weather-related cancellations are not unheard of, they are rare at this level, which further underlines the severity of the situation in Marseille. Fans will now have to wait anxiously for confirmation of when the game will be played, but one thing is certain: when Marseille and PSG finally take the field, the anticipation will be even greater, and the stakes just as high.
Until then, supporters, clubs, and broadcasters can only monitor the situation, hoping for an official announcement from Ligue 1 in the coming hours. Whether on Monday or a later date, this match promises to be one of the highlights of the season a clash that could shape the destiny of both teams in 2024/25.
