The gulf in class between Atletico Madrid and Marseille was evident from the very first kick during last night's Europa League final.
A brace from Atleti's talisman Antoine Griezmann, followed by captain Gabi rounding off the victory in style in the 89th minute, gave the Madrid outfit their third Europa League trophy.
Marseille lost every ounce of their creativity when Dimitri Payet was forced off in tears with an injury 30 minutes and they were well beaten.
Their kick-off to get the game underway in Lyon set the tone for their display - the routine quite possibly being the worst ever.
The French side literally just leathered the ball out for a throw-in before sprinting up the pitch to get in their positions.
OM kick-off :joy: pic.twitter.com/FWtOIwYLvo
- James John (@JamesJohn2427) May 16, 2018
What kind kick off was that from #Marseille :see_no_evil::see_no_evil::see_no_evil:
- Robbie White (@robbiew07) May 16, 2018
Weird start to this game with Marseille firing away the kickoff. Very intriguing.
- Gavin Smith (@BoboChubbles19) May 16, 2018
Marseille think they're playing rugby with that kick off?
- Gary (@cfcgazz) May 16, 2018
I know they do it all the time but that Marseille kick-off is just wrong
- Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) May 16, 2018
#OM kick-off the final like a game of rugby. Very bizarre. #OM #Atléti #UELFinal
- JÆ. (@JaeDavies23) May 16, 2018
Announce Atletico Madrid Europa League winners
The WORST kick-off I've ever seen from Marseille :joy::joy:
- Mr. Footy Tips (@MrFootyTips) May 16, 2018
What a way to kick-off the @EuropaLeague :joy: @OM_Officiel hit the ball hard upfront for a throw :clap::clap: #UELFinal
- Bunyamin Ahmed :flag_ye: (@BenUtd_) May 16, 2018
However, if you've seen Marseille in action on more than one occasion this season, you'll be aware that Rudi Garcia's side adopt this rugby-like approach to begin every game when they win the toss.
BT commentators baffled by Marseille putting the ball straight into touch from kick-off. They've done that in every game this season.
- Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) May 16, 2018
I've seen Marseille kick off only twice this season, and both times they've tonked the ball out for a throw-in near the opposition corner flag. Do they do this every time? It's really interesting. #OMATM
- Amol Joshi (@amalezishi) May 16, 2018
As it bizarre as it, there is a method to the madness as clearly the thinking is get high up the pitch and press the backline but it still made for comical viewing.
Late on in the game, the ball again went out of play for a throw-in when Spurs flop Clinton N'Jie got his technique all ring and defied the laws of physics with his effort.
Clinton N'Jie's shot against Atlético Madrid in all its glory.
HOW? :astonished::joy: pic.twitter.com/JIXzNXn8xC
- Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2018
It completely summed up Marseille's night.
Topics: Marseille, Football News, Football, Europa League, Atletico Madrid, Dimitri Payet
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