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Marseille make last 16 in style at Liberec

Slovan Liberec 2-4 Marseille
The visitors booked their place in the round of 32 and ended Liberec's hopes in the process despite a late fightback by the Czech Republic outfit.

Highlights: Liberec 2-4 Marseille
  • Marseille secure round of 32 place with third consecutive win
  • Michy Batshuayi and Georges-Kévin N'Koudou give OM half-time lead
  • Abdelaziz Barrada adds third; Lucas Ocampos seals away success
  • OM defender Rolando makes 50th UEFA club competition outing
  • The draw for the round of 32 takes place on Monday at 13.00CET

Marseille booked their place in the round of 32 and ended Liberec's UEFA Europa League hopes in the process despite a late fightback by the hosts in the Czech Republic.

Michy Batshuayi and Georges-Kévin N'Koudou registered as the visitors established a two-goal first-half lead and added a third via Abdelaziz Barrada after the break. However, Marek Bakoš converted a 75th-minute spot kick and substitute Josef Šural nodded another 60 seconds later as Liberec mounted a comeback. The issue was put beyond doubt, however, when Lucas Ocampos fired in Marseille's fourth in stoppage time.

Seeking a win to overtake second-ranked Marseille, the Czech outfit approached tonight's decider with a 100% home record against French sides. However, Jindřich Trpišovsky's men failed to have a shot on target until 15 minutes from time.

In-form OM forward Batshuayi, with 12 goals in 21 outings in all competitions, squandered the first opening on eight minutes. The Belgian international failed to hit the target from close range, seconds after having an effort blocked inside the box. Moments later, though, Batshuayi broke the deadlock – netting for the second game running in Europe – slotting left-footed past Tomáš Koubek after good work by Barrada.

David Pavelka and Lukáš Bartošák had attempts blocked as the home team sought a route back into the match. Even so, the Modrobílí, who had lost to section leaders Braga last time out, conceded another before half-time when N'Koudou rounded Koubek after being sent clean through.

Míchel's charges established a commanding advantage after the interval. On 48 minutes Barrada latched onto Nicolas Nkoulou's lofted through ball before lobbing the Liberec custodian.

Even so, Liberec continued to press and reduced the deficit when Bakoš dispatched a late penalty. Within a minute, Šural headed past Steve Mandanda at the far post to ensure a dramatic finish. Yet it was OM who struck next as substitute Ocampos chipped Koubek to clinch Marseille's place in the knockout rounds.

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