Marseille Breaks Attendance Record with Victory Over Toulouse
By BBC Sport
Olympique de Marseille continued their remarkable run in Ligue 1 by securing their eighth consecutive league win on Sunday, defeating Toulouse 2-0 at a packed Stade Vélodrome. But beyond the result, the evening was historic for another reason — Marseille shattered the stadium’s attendance record for a domestic league match.
A staggering 61,900 fans filled the stands, setting a new benchmark for Ligue 1 attendance at the Vélodrome. The previous record of 57,609 had stood since 14 August 2005, during a clash with Olympique Lyonnais. The newly renovated stadium, expanded to a 67,000-seat capacity ahead of UEFA Euro 2016, lived up to its billing as a fortress of French football.
Cameroonian defender Nicolas Nkoulou opened the scoring in the 20th minute, marking his first goal of the season. Speaking after the match, Nkoulou expressed his delight: “It’s a lot of emotions! It’s a pleasure to score for the team.” The Vélodrome erupted again just 15 minutes later when André-Pierre Gignac netted his 10th goal of the season, continuing his outstanding form.
The electric atmosphere underscored Marseille’s resurgence under their new leadership this season, with fans rallying behind a team that has rediscovered its rhythm and identity.
Sunday’s match didn’t just rewrite club records — it also surpassed the stadium’s overall sports attendance record. The previous high of 59,120 spectators was set during the 2007 Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and Australia. That figure has now been eclipsed in a demonstration of Marseille’s growing momentum and the enduring passion of its supporters.
With the team sitting atop the Ligue 1 table and the Vélodrome buzzing with historic energy, OM appear poised for a season that could echo their past glories.
