Atlético Madrid completed a second-half comeback to defeat Marseille 2-1 in a preseason friendly at the Orange Vélodrome on Friday. Carlos Martín struck the winning goal twelve minutes from time to secure victory for the Spanish side after they had fallen behind earlier in the contest.
Marseille seized the initiative in the 22nd minute through Igor Paixão, who opened the scoring. The lead lasted until the 39th minute, when Rodrigo Mendoza drew Atlético level. The substitute finished into the bottom-left corner after being set up by Ademola Lookman.
Martín settled the match in the 78th minute, converting from close range following an assist from fellow substitute Arnau Ortiz. The goal proved decisive as Atlético held on for the remainder of the fixture.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak played a crucial role in preserving the advantage after the interval, producing saves to deny both Amine Gouiri and Timothy Weah as the hosts pressed for an equaliser.
Discipline and Squad Rotation
The match produced five yellow cards, reflecting its competitive nature. Marseille’s Geoffrey Kondogbia, Leonardo Balerdi and Paixão were booked, alongside Atlético pair Robin Le Normand and Giuliano Simeone.
Both sides utilised their squads extensively throughout the 90 minutes. Atlético introduced Mendoza, Alejandro Grimaldo and Martín during the first half, with Ortiz entering the fray at the start of the second period. Dani Martínez, Obed Vargas, Morten Hjulmand, Marc Pubill, José María Giménez, Javier Boñar and Jorge Castillo also featured for the Spanish club.
Lookman, who started the match, had an attempt blocked before half-time and was caught offside during the second period.
The result provides Atlético with a positive conclusion to their preseason schedule, whilst Marseille continue their preparations ahead of the new campaign.