Algerian midfielder Himad Abdelli savoured Marseille’s win on the pitch at Bayer Leverkusen (1-0) on Thursday 5 November in the Europa League. For him, “It’s perhaps even more beautiful to suffer and win.”
Himad Abdelli made no secret of his delight. On Thursday 5 November, after Olympique de Marseille’s victory on Bayer Leverkusen’s ground (1-0) in the Europa League, the Algerian international midfielder stopped in the mixed zone. According to MadeInFoot, he highlighted his team’s ability to suffer before finally prevailing.
Starting in midfield alongside Højbjerg and Kondogbia, according to Foot Marseille, Abdelli played his part in a success that relaunches Marseille’s push for Europa League qualification, after three initial defeats in the competition. The win comes as the player ranks among the most used in Ligue 1 this season.
“We knew how to suffer together”
Asked about his team’s performance, Himad Abdelli stressed the spirit shown against the German club. “I think we’re in good shape and we’re building on what we’ve been doing in Ligue 1. Tonight we produced a big performance, we knew how to suffer together. That’s what feels good. It’s perhaps even more beautiful to suffer and win. Especially here, against a big team. We managed to win and we’re very happy,” he said, according to MadeInFoot.
Those words reflect the satisfaction of the Marseille squad. Handed a start by coach Bruno Genesio, the midfielder played his part in the performance. He had already been voted “Olympien of the Month” for October after scoring three goals.
Nine Ligue 1 matches this season
Statistically, Himad Abdelli has played nine Ligue 1 matches this season, the joint-highest total in the league according to Ligue1.com. That tally places him among the most heavily used players in the top flight.
His October player of the month award recognised his three goals that month. The win at Leverkusen comes in a European competition in which Marseille had begun with three defeats.
On to Togo with Algeria
After this European success, Himad Abdelli will link up with the Algerian national team. Algeria face Togo twice, on 14 and 17 November, in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Before that, Marseille will play their next Ligue 1 match.