Marseille’s Atmosphere Shifts as PSG Claims European Glory Against Inter

On Saturday night, Bruce Springsteen performed at the Velodrome in Marseille, and while he brought his signature energy to the show, the mood in the city was notably subdued. The reason for this gloom was not the concert itself but rather the significant loss of a cherished title as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) celebrated a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

This defeat marked a pivotal moment for Marseille, as they could no longer boast of being the only French club to have captured the prestigious European Cup. This shift was particularly painful, considering Marseille’s long wait for another chance to claim the Champions League title, with their last victory dating back to 1993.

The atmosphere in Marseille was charged with emotions, with many locals adopting an anti-PSG stance by donning Inter’s colors for the night. However, spirits appeared low even before the concert kicked off, revealing the deep-rooted rivalry between the two clubs.

Some supporters opted to completely avoid the match, while others nostalgically revisited a moment from 32 years prior. A bar owner and Marseille season-ticket holder, Anthony Carel, hosted patrons for a retrospective screening of Marseille’s 1993 Champions League final victory against AC Milan. He chose to blackout any live coverage from the current PSG-Inter match, creating a surreal and defiant atmosphere.

The nostalgic attendees cheered for a long-gone goal while naively oblivious to PSG’s growing lead in the current match. There was caution about expressing too much admiration for Marc Boli, a former Marseille hero who recently expressed support for PSG—a sentiment that went against Marseille’s fierce regional pride.

“Here, we are first and foremost Marseillais, and only French second,” said Hamid, the friendly owner of L’Oriental cafe. As he served coffee to gathered fans, he showed his allegiance by sporting an Inter jersey himself, highlighting the local solidarity against PSG.

The phenomenon of Inter jerseys in Marseille was widespread, with fans sporting both new and vintage team kits, including a classic worn by Brazil’s Ronaldo during his days at Inter. At the Bar Berti, which boasts of showing all OM games live, fans were reminded of the rivalry, watching the final in silence, their loyalty clear in their dress.

In a strategic move, the bar kept the sound off during the match, allowing fans to enjoy the game without the discomfort of hearing PSG being praised. Reports of the match’s progression highlighted the growing frustration among Marseille fans as PSG dominated the field.

The sense of rivalry remains strong, especially as PSG’s global brand continues to expand. Fresh from their historic win, PSG’s performance raised eyebrows, underscoring the financial and competitive disparity that has emerged in French football.

As PSG’s third goal hit the net, many fans began to leave, with a noticeable scent of marijuana drifting from the streets, as a young Marseille supporter attempted to cope with the disappointing outcome. Outside, the presence of Inter fans seemed to fade into the background as concert-goers streaming from the Springsteen show filled the streets.

While PSG celebrated a new chapter in their history, Marseille supporters were left reflecting on a stark reality: the legacy of their past amid the overshadowing success of their rivals.