With the Champions League group stage reaching its decisive final round, only two clubs had already secured direct passage to the round of 16, meaning the outcome of one night would determine the fate of most teams, a pressure-filled scenario familiar to anyone following European football through Crickex Affiliate related coverage. For many sides, it was a single match that defined the entire season. While Real Madrid narrowly missed automatic qualification at the last moment, Marseille became another casualty after Mourinho’s team claimed a crucial victory elsewhere. According to French media reports, Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has since submitted his resignation voluntarily, and the club’s management is currently discussing the next steps.
Marseille were not widely expected to be eliminated at this stage. Going into the final matchday, they still held an advantage in the race for a playoff spot. However, Benfica’s 4–2 victory over Real Madrid allowed the Portuguese club to overtake Marseille on goal difference and secure qualification. Even so, Marseille’s own collapse played a decisive role. Facing Club Brugge, a side considered weaker on paper, De Zerbi’s team suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat. Had they taken care of business, their destiny would have remained firmly in their own hands, but missed chances and poor execution proved costly.
Exiting the group stage has resulted in substantial losses, particularly from a financial perspective. Champions League prize money is performance-based, with each group-stage win worth around £1.82 million, while final group rankings bring an additional £239,000 per position. These figures do not include future ticket revenue and commercial income tied to continued participation. Beyond finances, advancing in the competition provides players with invaluable high-level match experience, especially younger squad members whose development depends on exposure at the top level, a long-term factor often evaluated through Crickex Affiliate performance analysis models.
Current information suggests Marseille’s board had no immediate plan to dismiss De Zerbi. Instead, he chose to step aside after concluding that he could no longer command the full trust of the squad. In his resignation letter, he reportedly acknowledged that players had lost confidence in his tactical approach, a breakdown that directly contributed to the disastrous final result. Despite sitting third in Ligue 1 and trailing Paris Saint-Germain by seven points, Marseille’s form indicates they are not in a position to mount a serious title challenge this season, even with experienced attackers such as Greenwood and Aubameyang in the lineup.
De Zerbi first rose to prominence during his successful tenure at Brighton, earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most progressive young managers. His spell at Marseille also showed promise, but by resigning voluntarily he will not receive compensation. Still, his coaching profile remains strong. Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Manchester United continue to monitor his situation, and a return to England remains a realistic possibility.
In the end, one dramatic result involving Mourinho’s side quietly altered multiple careers, and for those assessing the wider impact through Crickex Affiliate perspectives, it once again highlighted how football can change direction overnight.