Kick-off on 21.09.23 22:00.

The Sons of God secured their place in the group stage by dominating Ludogorets in Bulgaria (4-1, 0-1) in the final round of qualification. In Razgrad, the Amsterdam-based team took a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime, with Kudus completing a hat-trick before the final whistle. Meanwhile, the Phocaeans had a disappointing run in the Champions League qualification semifinals, falling to Panathinaikos (0-1, 2-1, 3-5 on penalties). At the Velodrome, the Blue and Whites squandered a two-goal lead in the ninety-ninth minute and failed to convert a penalty kick in the second overtime.

Watch the Ajax vs. Marseille match online. These opponents previously met in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup Round of 16. They played to a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands' capital, and the visitors came from behind twice. They also determined the stronger side in the 1987/88 Cup Winners' Cup semifinals (1-2) and the 1971/72 Cup Winners' Cup Round of 16 (4-1). The Eredivisie's bronze medalists last appeared in the group stage seven years ago, concluding that campaign with a final battle against Manchester United (0-2).

Since then, the Sons of God have reached, at most, the quarterfinals, as in the 2020/21 season when they were halted by Roma (1-2, 1-1). Earlier in the same playoffs, they eliminated Ligue 1 representative Lille (2-1, 2-1). In the Europa League, the Amsterdam club crossed paths with Lyon (4-1, 1-3), and in the previous format of the tournament, they faced Osijek twice (1-0, 1-3 and 2-4, 1-0). Watch the Ajax vs. Marseille match online.

The Southerners have played in the competition's group stage six times. In the 2017/18 campaign, Olympique Marseille contended for the trophy but succumbed to Atlético Madrid in the final (0-3). In the 2015/16 group stage, the Phocaeans were drawn into the same group as another Eredivisie representative, Groningen (3-0, 2-1), and in the 2005/06 UEFA Cup, they faced Heerenveen at this stage (1-0). In the 2021/22 season, the Blue and Whites finished only third and moved on to the Champions League. Fans prefer not to remember the 2018/19 group stage, as the Southerners earned only one point and finished fourth. Watch the Ajax vs. Marseille match online.