Djibril Cissé

Lore & Background

The source mentions Djibril Cissé only in the context of a specific match between Marseille and Lyon on 6 April 2008. In that game, Marseille attacked from the start and scored twice before the half-hour mark. Cissé scored the second goal, with Mamadou Niang also scoring. Lyon pulled one back through an own goal by Lorik Cana, but Niang scored again early in the second half to seal the 3–1 win. This victory gave Marseille their first league double over Lyon since the 1983–84 season, when both clubs were in the second division.

In Their Own Story

The Stade Vélodrome is alive with tension on 6 April 2008. Marseille, under Eric Gerets, have turned their season around and are fighting for a Champions League spot. Lyon, the dominant champions, have seen their lead at the top reduced. Spurred on by heated support from the stands, Marseille attack from the start. Mamadou Niang scores first, and then Djibril Cissé adds a second just before the half-hour mark. Lyon are outplayed and lucky to trail only 2–1 at halftime after an own goal. Early in the second half, Niang scores again to make it 3–1, and Marseille hold on for a famous victory.

Reader's Guide

The match on 6 April 2008 is a key moment in the rivalry between Marseille and Lyon. Marseille had lost just one of their last 11 league fixtures heading into this game. Lyon had suffered setbacks between January and mid-February, seeing their lead over Bordeaux reduced. Cissé's goal helped Marseille achieve a league double over Lyon for the first time since the 1983–84 season, when both sides were in the second tier. This result forced Lyon to endure a nervous ending to the season.

Did You Know?

• Djibril Cissé scored for Marseille in a 3–1 win over Lyon on 6 April 2008.
• That match gave Marseille their first league double over Lyon since the 1983–84 season.
• Marseille had lost just one of their last 11 league fixtures before that match.
• Lyon had seen their lead over Bordeaux reduced before that defeat.