The 2008-09 campaign was a thrilling, nearly-triumphant season for Olympique Marseille as OM surged to a spectacular second-place finish in Ligue 1, finishing just three points behind champions Bordeaux. Under the popular management of Eric Gerets, the side secured a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the following season. Spearheading the attack was the beloved forward Mamadou Niang, whose crucial 14 league goals anchored the side. The season was also defined by a strong European run, which saw the team advance from the Champions League group stage to reach the Quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, marking a period of renewed ambition that set the perfect stage for their championship victory the following year.