Unlike Le Classique, the rivalry has no bad blood within it and, instead, stems from the competitiveness of the each club's players, managers, supporters, and presidential hierarchy.

The rivalry is often cited as being particularly important as both clubs are of high standard in French football and the championship is regularly decided between the two.

Following Jean-Michel Aulas's acquisition of Olympique Lyonnais in 1987, the rivalry entered a more competitive environment.

The most goals in one game were scored in the closely contested 5–5 draw at the Stade de Gerland on 8 November 2009.

Notable players include the Ghanaian Abedi Pele, who won the African Footballer of the Year award, defender Manuel Amoros, and goalkeeper Pascal Olmeta.

All three players had been part of the Marseille dynasty that won five straight French league titles and the European Cup in 1993.