Bamogo edges Marseille to victory

A first-half goal by Habib Bamogo was enough to earn Olympique de Marseille victory against FK Mladá Boleslav in the UEFA Cup first-round first leg.

Solid defence
Bamogo's strike was the deciding factor against a Mladá Boleslav defence that held out well, even after the dismissal of František Ševinský with 12 minutes to play. Marseille boss Albert Emon chose to leave Franck Ribéry out of his starting lineup but the Ligue 1 leaders performed well while he warmed the bench. Sabri Lamouchi released Toifilou Maoulida in the opening minutes but Mladá Boleslav goalkeeper Miroslav Miller did well to smother the ball. At the other end Bostjan Cesar blocked an effort from Tomáš Poláček.

Winning goal
After 31 minutes, Marseille took the lead with a well-worked goal as Lamouchi played in a dangerous pass to Bamogo and he lifted the ball over advancing goalkeeper Miller. In first-half stoppage time a shot by Maoulida shaved the post and Marseille went out in search of a second goal after the restart. It almost came, with Bamogo sending a shot whistling narrowly wide. Miller then did well to keep out a deflected shot by substitute Lorik Cana as Marseille continued to make the running.

Ribéry arrives
Emon introduced Ribéry in the closing stages and the France FIFA World Cup star released fellow substitute Mamadou Niang whose shot went agonisingly close. Ribéry was then obstructed by last defender Ševinský, who was shown the red card for his troubles. Marseille laid siege to the Mladá Boleslav goal in the closing stages but the Czech team defended stoutly.