OM tames Clermont and continues!

Make the pass of four to capitalize and integrate the right car before the holidays: the challenge of the day was clear for the Olympique de Marseille. Despite the small setback in Brighton in the middle of the week (0-1), Gennaro Gattuso’s team had the opportunity to continue their series with the reception of the red lantern, Clermont, at the Vélodrome.

If this opponent was within the reach of the Marseille club on paper, there was no question, in Marseille, of taking this match over the head. The Auvergnats had demonstrated since the start of the season that they could quite reach the level of a big name.

OM did not tremble

The Marseillais have put in the necessary ingredients to avoid falling into this pitfall. Serious, diligent, concerned, Gattuso’s men did the job. The Italian had kept his beneficial 3-5-2 system, but it was Ndiaye, on his return after the reduction of his suspension, who supported Aubameyang on the front of the attack in place of Vitinha. Kondogbia also made his return to midfield, at the low point of midfield.

It took a short round of observation before the Marseillais moved up a gear. If Clermont squared the field well to reduce the spaces, OM managed to get around this dense block at the end of a very nice collective movement where Murillo, well shifted by Aubameyang after a projection in the area, did not tremble to adjust Diaw with a superb half-volley into the opposite net (1-0, 26th).

An advantage that the Marseillais managed rather intelligently. The Gattuso gang could have taken the easy route. This was not the case as she made the break very quickly on a victorious rebound from Amine Harit just before half-time (2-0, 42nd). The matter had been settled, and the Marseillais generally negotiated the second act well, even if Allevinah reduced the score from a set piece just before the hour mark (2-1, 58th). Without consequence. Everything is not perfect, but Marseille has found its cruising speed.