Salzburg's incredible run to the Europa League semi-final will demand another stunning performance in Austria to knock out Marseille after the Ligue 1 side won 2-0 in Thursday's first leg.

It took just 15 minutes for the hosts to edge ahead at Stade Velodrome, Dimitri Payet hanging a free-kick up to the far-post for Florian Thauvin to leap and guide home. Claims of handball were waved away for the winger's goal and an even game emerged from the opener, Andreas Ulmer sending an attempt over the bar from close range just before the break.

Yohann Pele was required again between the Marseille posts in the second half in a nervy period that was only dispelled in the 63rd minute.

Released down the left wing, Payet had time to pull the ball back for Clinton N'Jie, at which point Salzburg failed to close down the Cameroonian and allowed him a simple finish past the keeper.

The Austrians kept coming with Valron Berisha being denied by Pele and Fredrik Gulbrandsen hitting the woodwork with 15 minutes to go. However they will have to dig deep and close up a two-goal deficit as Marseille avoided conceding the vital away goal and travel to Red Bull Arena Salzburg next Thursday with a useful 2-0 lead.

Source: marca.com

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