Olympique de Marseille will face Athletic Club de Bilbao in a friendly match at the Stade Vélodrome on August 9th, the club announced on Thursday evening. The match is part of Marseille’s “Summer Tour” preparations for the upcoming season.
This will be the fifth competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Marseille holding a historical advantage. Their most recent encounter came in the 2017-2018 Europa League round of 16, where Marseille eliminated Bilbao with Dimitri Payet and Lucas Ocampos scoring in both legs of the tie. The French side progressed to the quarter-finals after a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Marseille are currently in Côte d’Ivoire preparing for the season, utilizing the training camp to build fitness and tactical cohesion under new manager Bruno Genesio. Genesio recently outlined his project for the team, focusing on a clear style of play as the club aims to improve upon last season’s performance.
The friendly against Bilbao will provide a valuable test against strong European opposition as Marseille gears up for their domestic and potential European commitments. Athletic Club, consistently a competitive force in La Liga, will offer a different challenge compared to opponents they may face in Ligue 1. This match allows both teams to assess their squads and experiment with tactics before the competitive season begins. The fixture is anticipated to be a good spectacle for fans of both clubs, showcasing a clash of footballing cultures.
Recent reports suggest that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be departing Marseille for a club in La Liga, though no official confirmation has been made. The club is also reportedly active in the transfer market, with Strasbourg making significant moves in the early stages of the window.
