Igor Tudor's Marseille side turned in a superb performance in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - despite losing defender Chancel Mbemba to a red card early in the second term (47') - holding their hosts with a high press right through to the final 15 minutes, when Brazilian striker Richarlison hit two quick-fire headers (76', 81') to sink OM hopes.

'We were a solid team'

However, OM stopper Eric Bailly felt that his side's performance deserved praise , especially as they had spent almost half the match a man down.

"We had our say," declared the Ivorian, who has played a key role in Marseille's defensive stability since signing the summer, helping Tudor's side to an unbeaten record of 16 points from six Ligue 1 Uber Eats matches this season and keeping them level with the mighty PSG. "We could have taken at least a point but the Champions League is played on details and one mistake cost us dearly. Against Tottenham, with 11 players it's not easy, so with ten it's really complicated. We were a solid team, we have to move on, see the positive side, that is to say the first half, and see how to continue this week with the league match. After that, we will think about the Champions League."

'Keep learning with this young team'

Indeed, Marseille have the league visit of LOSC to look forward to at the weekend before their European odyssey continues next week as Eintracht Frankfurt come calling at the Orange Vélodrome. An intense schedule for a side that underwent massive changes over the summer, but Bailly feels that the hard work under Tudor is paying off.  

"We had been working on this match for a week, we made it difficult for Tottenham. We suffered in the second half and we broke down at the end. But we stuck together when we were a man down. After the first goal, it was more difficult," explained the former Manchester United stopper. "We have to keep learning with this young team that is starting in the Champions League. There are still matches to come. All the games will be important. We lost three points but we still have a card to play and we have to think about the matches ahead."