Three days after their victory in the Europa League against Shakhtar, OM confirmed in the championship at the expense of Montpellier this Sunday (4-1).
The Gasset effect? Maybe… But in the state of mind and combativeness, this OM certainly found itself in this week where the experienced Hérault technician took over from Gennaro Gattuso. After seeing his team end a series of seven unsuccessful matches, Thursday against Donetsk, in the second leg of the Europa League, Jean-Louis Gasset witnessed a clear victory for the Olympians at the Vélodrome this Sunday evening. To the detriment of an MHSC that he knows well.
As against the Ukrainians 72 hours earlier, the match started very badly for the Marseillais, picked up cold from the start of the match on an approximation of Gigot well exploited by Al-Tamari (0-1, 5e). An incident which could have weighed down the Phocaeans put under pressure by the public at the Vélodrome. Supporters who came in numbers to push again this evening but who also had messages to convey to the management and to Frank McCourt in particular.
Ndiaye overexcited
After half an hour of play – and a post struck by Ferri (11e) – OM fortunately found their third rhythm in this part, helped by the pugnacity of a Ndiaye literally inhabited in this match (1-1, 31ste). Just before the break, Aubameyang dealt a heavy blow to Montpellier, perfectly served by Mbemba (2-1, 43e). And Marseille will never let go.
In the second half, Ndiaye, still as impactful as ever, obtained a penalty with the help of VAR – Aubameyang transformed the godsend and put OM away (3-1, 62e). A csc from the unfortunate Sacko, provoked by Sarr, concluded the great evening for the Olympians (4-1, 82e). With a first victory in Ligue 1 in 2024, but still a lot of work ahead given the lead taken by the competition. This evening, Marseille is seven lengths from the Top 4, its stated objective. Montpellier is on the edge of the red zone, ahead of Lorient on goal difference alone.
