Marseille book meeting with Atletico in final
AFP
AFP, SALZBURG: Marseille booked a Europa League final meeting with Atletico Madrid after Portuguese defender Rolando struck in extra time to grab a 3-2 aggregate victory over a spirited Salzburg on Thursday.
Salzburg produced a rousing second-half performance to wipe out a 2-0 first-leg deficit, but Marseille became the first French side to reach a European final since 2004 despite a 2-1 defeat on the night.
Amadou Haidara gave the dominant hosts hope early in the second half with an excellent individual effort before Bouna Sarrs own goal levelled the semi-final.
Rudi Garcias visitors survived some late scares to force a further half-hour and substitute Rolando volleyed home a 116th-minute Dimitri Payet corner that shouldnt have been given.
The 20-year-old Haidara, the outstanding player on the night, was sent off as his frustrations boiled over, as Salzburgs incredible run which included wins over Borussia Dortmund and Lazio came to an end.
Marseille started strongly after the interval, with Ocampos and Valere Germain both going close, but Salzburg blew the tie wide open by breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute.
That goal gave the Austrians renewed hope and Pele had to be alert to beat away a venomous long-range strike from Brazilian centre-back Andre Ramalho.
Marseille came agonisingly close to booking a place in the final in normal time, but Florian Thauvins header came back off the crossbar.
Both sides were nervy at the start of the extra 30 minutes, but Marseille were left indebted to their stand-in goalkeeper as Pele produced a magnificent one-handed save to keep out Caleta-Cars powerful header.
Rolando was sent on by Garcia to try and secure a penalty shoot-out, only to snatch a controversial winner. A corner was awarded despite Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissas shot appearing to strike a Marseille foot before flying behind, and the 32-year-old Rolando side-footed another dangerous Payet cross into the net.
