OM does indeed have a lucky charm this season in the person of its last rampart. For the third time in 17 days, Rulli saved a penalty this Saturday in Rennes. A feat already achieved earlier against Brest and Lyon, for three Marseille successes. The Marseillais finally made the difference today at Roazhon Park (1-2).
If Rennes opened the scoring well in this part – Kalimuendo having made up for his missed penalty 10 minutes later (1-0, 43e) – the Olympians were able to show themselves as stunning, very quickly revived first by Greenwood at the end of a school action (1-1, 45e). Then rewarded for their offensive efforts against the Bretons camped at their rear upon returning from the locker room, by Rabiot with a header, receiving a cross from the inevitable Greenwood (1-2, 49e).
A disconcerting VAR
Less polished in their attempts subsequently, the Phocéens could have widened the gap on a penalty initially whistled at the end of the match for a Rennes handball in the area. But Mr. Kherradji changed his mind after an appeal from the VAR – the same video assistance which in the first act had judged Murillo’s hand reprehensible on the penalty awarded to Kalimuendo.
No matter for OM, who this weekend benefited from the draws of Monaco and Lille against Nantes (2-2) and Auxerre (0-0) to consolidate their second place in the general ranking. Four lengths from a leader PSG who on Sunday will close this 17e lifting of L1 by hosting Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes. From now on, ASM is at five points and Losc at seven points while Nice takes fourth place, six lengths behind Marseille.
