In the post below, you will find a paragraph in French about the rivalry between Paris Saint Germain and the Olympique de Marseille, two soccer clubs. Read in French first and try to pick out words that are familiar to you. Then, try to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words based on the context of the paragraph as a whole. An English translation is provided at the end of the post, but hold off on looking at it until you’ve truly tried to understand the passage in French first.

Un Match pas comme les autres

Paris contre Marseille—c’est un rivalité pas comme les autres. Un rivalité qui a déjà tourné à la violence sur le terrain et en dehors du terrain. Cette histoire a commencé dans les années quatre-vingt-dix. À ce moment, l’Olympique de Marseille (OM) est une des meilleures équipes d’Europe. C’est pourquoi le président de l’Olympique de Marseille, Bérnard Tapis, est à la recherche d’un rival pour remonter le niveau du championnat de France. Après réflection, ça serait le Paris Saint Germain (PSG), l’équipe de la capitale. Ce choix sépare le nord et le sud de France pour les supporteurs: une opposition parfaite qui va au-delà de la géographie pour opposer l’équipe de la bourgeoisie française (PSG) et l’équipe du peuple et des ouvriers (Marseilles). À travers les médias, le président du club et les joueurs jouent la provocation. Ce rivalité a duré presque trent ans et continue aujourd’hui. 

A Game Not Like The Others

Paris against Marseille—a rivalry unlike others. A rivalry that has already turned to violence both on the field and off. This rivalry began in the 1990s. At this time, the Olympique de Marseille (OM) was one of the best soccer teams in Europe. That’s why the president of the Olympique de Marseille, Bernard Tapis, was looking for a rival to increase his team’s performance for the French championship. After reflection, Paris Saint Germain (PSG), the capital team, would be chosen for this role. This choice separated supporters from the north and south of France: a perfect opposition that went beyond geography to place the French bourgeoisie (PSG) against the regular people and workers (OM). With the help of the media, the president of Marseille and the players began to provoke one another. This rivalry has lasted nearly thirty years and continues to this day.