This weekend, French football fans will turn their attention to the south of France as Olympique de Marseille welcomes Paris Saint-Germain to the iconic Stade Vélodrome for the first Le Classique of the season.
Softfootball can gather that the match, set for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 7:45 pm, will provide the unusual drama, intensity, and passion that accompany any of Europe’s fiercest rivalries.
Both teams head into the clash after demanding weeks on the continental stage, and the backdrop of their midweek fixtures only adds more intrigue.
Marseille will be approaching the match on the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Despite the result, Roberto De Zerbi’s men showed glimpses of their ability to trouble Europe’s elite, though defensive lapses once again proved costly. Mbappe, a former PSG forward, was the difference-maker in that match, converting two penalties for Los Blancos.
In Ligue 1, De Zerbi’s Marseille have been one of the most entertaining teams so far, their first four matches producing a combined 13 goals.
Team news
Squad depth is both a blessing and a curse for De Zerbi. His abundance of attacking talent offers options, but finding the right balance has been a challenge. The likely return of Amine Gouiri to the starting eleven provides a boost, while Nayef Aguerd is a doubt due to injury. Veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may find himself back on the bench after deputising in Gouiri’s absence.
De Zerbi is expected to set up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rulli in goal, a back four of Murillo, Pavard, Egan-Riley, and Medina, and a midfield pairing of Gomes and Kondogbia. The attacking midfield trio of Greenwood, Nadir, and Weah will support Gouiri up front. Traore remains unavailable through injury, leaving De Zerbi with fewer options at the back.
Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, arrive in Marseille as firm favourites, riding high from their 4-0 demolition of Atalanta in the opening round of their Champions League title defense. Goals from Marquinhos, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Gonçalo Ramos highlighted their attacking depth and quality despite the absence of Ousmane Dembele.
After the game, Kvaratskheila was voted man of the match after PSG’s heavy win during the week. Watch the video shared on PSG official X handle below:
Domestically, PSG have made a perfect start to the Ligue 1 season, winning all four of their matches, though their performances have not always been convincing. Their most recent league outing was a 2-0 victory over Lens at the Parc des Princes.
Luis Enrique, however, must deal with some absentees. Both Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé are sidelined with injuries sustained while on international duty with France’s Les Bleus.
In addition, Beraldo is also unavailable. Nevertheless, PSG’s squad depth ensures that they remain dangerous, with Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia flanking Ramos in a likely 4-3-3 setup.
Head-to-Head
16 March 2025
PSG 3-1 Marseille
27 October 2024
Marseille 0-3 PSG
31 March 2024
Marseille 0-2 PSG
9 September 2023
PSG 4-0 Marseille
26 February 2023
Marseille 0-3 PSG
Possible lineup
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Michael Amir Murillo, Pavard, Egan-Riley, Medina; Gomes, Kondogbia; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Gouiri
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia
Softfootball predicted scoreline
Marseille 1 vs 2 PSG
