After their victory in Montpellier (3-2), their draw against Bordeaux (2-2) and the last significant meeting in Nice (0-1, match abandoned in the 75th minute), OM had to win their first success this Saturday evening in front of his audience at the Vélodrome. To do this, Jorge Sampaoli aligned his classic formation in 3-4-3 with a Saliba-Alvaro-Peres defense in front of Mandanda. Lirola, Gueye, Guendouzi and Gerson occupied the midfield while the Ünder-Payet-de la Fuente trio were in attack. For his part, Claude Puel hoped to hinder the Phocaeans with Maçon-Moukoudi-Sow-Kolodziejczak in defense, the Camara-Neyou-Gourna-Douath trio in the middle and Nordin-Khazri-Bouanga in attack.
Undoubtedly still frustrated with the outcome of its last match at the Allianz Riviera, Olympique de Marseille started this game strongly. After a cross from Ünder, Green captured in extremis a shot from near Rongier (2nd), while the former Nantes player saw, in the wake, his distant shot being deflected (4th). But the Stéphanois had decided to show up. On the first action of this part, Bouanga forced Mandanda to deploy (1st), before releasing a curled shot, well captured by the tricolor goalkeeper (21st).
OM punished on set piece
If ASSE managed to be dangerous in this first half, OM dominated the discussions and wanted to get possession of the ball. Ünder, well served by Payet, found de la Fuente in the depths. The ex-Barcelona striker found Guendouzi behind which could deceive Green with a good recovery in first intention to score his first goal in Marseille and make the Vélodrome exult (1-0, 23rd). But while OM mastered the game after opening the scoring, Sampaoli’s men were punished with a set piece.
On a corner from Aouchiche, Kolodziejczak deviated and could deceive Mandanda, with the help of Rongier (1-1, 40th). What cool the Olympians, just before half-time, while Guendouzi found the left post of Green, who was beaten (39th). But after the break, Marseille went into second gear. On a poor clearance from the defense of the Greens, Rongier found Gerson in the axis, who was able to conclude from close and also afford his first goal with his new club (2-1, 51st).
Saint-Etienne has cracked
Jostled after this second goal conceded, Sainté no longer managed to cause problems for the Phocéens, despite a dangerous Bouanga in front of Mandanda (66th). But following a new error from the defense of ASSE, Ünder could conclude on his own and make the break (3-1, 68th). All that was missing was the finish at OM this Saturday night, since Sampaoli’s men will have had the opportunities to lead 4-1 (77th, 84th, 87th).
Before a perilous trip to Monaco, Marseille is full of confidence and can be satisfied with this precious victory, with convincing recruits. For its part, ASSE signs a second defeat of the season and fails to find the path to success in this start of the Championship, despite an interesting match. It will be necessary to do better during the 5th day, in Montpellier.