In the midst of an institutional crisis, OM signed a spectacular draw on the Ajax pitch this Thursday in Amsterdam (3-3).
There was reason to be worried given the stormy atmosphere observed in Marseille in recent days. In Amsterdam, OM could further dampen their morale this Thursday for their debut in the Europa League. Certainly crumbly defensively, the team now coached by Jacques Abardonado, replacement for a resigning Marcelino, seduced offensively to obtain a topsy-turvy draw (3-3).
A result all the more appreciable for the Phocaeans deprived of their main leaders for the occasion – who withdrew this week after a nervous meeting with the leaders of the supporters groups – and who completely missed their start to the match. Forbs was quick to find the fault for the Lancers, on a largesse from Mbemba (1-0, 9e), then Berghuis worsened the score (2-0, 21e) in the wake of a duel missed by Aubameyang (19e).
The disaster scenario then takes shape. This is without counting the formidable reaction of pride sounded by an omnipresent Clauss and scorer in an off-center position to revive his team (2-1, 23e). And Aubameyang finally shook the opposing nets, before the break (2-2, 38e), after a bar smashed by the decidedly unfortunate Ndiaye (29e). A meritorious equalizer followed by a hot opportunity for Ounahi a few seconds before the break (45e+3).
“Stay united in the storm”
Returning from the locker room, more inspired and incisive, the locals logically took the lead, thanks to Taylor (3-2, 52e). But Aubameyang – with the help of a decisive Lopes against Bergwijn a few minutes earlier (67e) – allowed OM to return to the mark once again, with a scathing shot fired into the area (3-3, 78e). Your expelled at the end of the meeting (90e+1), the Marseillais even pushed to win. In vain. Which does not detract from the merit of the players of “Pancho” Abardonado, who this evening responded despite the circumstances, in a difficult European group which also saw Brighton lose at home to AEK Athens (2 -3).
“ Taking a point like we took this evening is a good thingsaid Aubameyang at the end of the game, on Canal+. We had to stay united in the storm, everyone performed, everyone gave everything. We knew we would be expected, there are great guys who are hungry in this team, we can trust them, it’s very positive even if we would have liked to win. » To be confirmed if possible in the championship from now on. With two tough meetings to honor, in Paris then Monaco.
