OM - ASSE (1-0) : OM scores a consecutive win on its birthday
Happy birthday OM!
This Saturday, August 31, 2019, the Olympique de Marseille celebrated its 120th anniversary. 120 years marked by many titles, many legends having worn the Olympien jersey, various emotional encounters among many others. On this occasion, the Marseille players were wearing a collector's jersey and Djibril Cissé, a former Olympian striker, gave the ceremonial kick-off.This club has a rich and unique history. So happy birthday to our OM!
Celebratory evening!
Not only the club was celebrating its birthday tonight, so were its fans. 25 years of existence for the MTP, 35 years for the Ultras, who put on a very beautiful show in the stands by unveiling splendid tifosi at the players' entrance.
Two Olympians were also honoured at OM-ASSE, Valère Germain received a framed jersey in his honour to celebrate his 100th game with OM.
As for the Marseille captain, Steve Mandanda, he was playing his 400th match against Saint-Étienne in the blue and white jersey. More than ever, he is the most capped Olympian in the club's history.
4-3-3, a winning formation
André Villas-Boas did not change the team that won. To face Saint-Étienne, the Olympic coach did not change anything in the starting eleven from the victory in Nice. He has renewed his 4-3-3 that he has been putting in place since his arrival. A winning system as the Olympians went on to win a second consecutive victory and a third game without defeat. The Olympians made a clean match without fail and without conceding a goal.
Dario Benedetto on fire
And two for Dario Benedetto! The Argentinian scored his second goal in the Ligue 1 Conforama against Saint-Étienne a few days after opening his account in Nice. With Sanson's low pass, Benedetto pushed the ball to the bottom of the net and OM took the lead. He scored his first goal in the Orange Velodrome, which literally caught fire after the opening goal!
The Olympian striker had another great opportunity in the second half when he took his chance from a distance but his shot did not find the target. He was replaced on 80 minutes by Florian Thauvin, who returned to the field more than a month after his ankle injury sustained during summer preparation.
Time for a break
No match for two weeks for the Olympians due to the international truce. Four Marseille players will be on deck with their teams: Strootman (Netherlands), Sakai (Japan), Kamara (French U21), Lihadji (French U18). With this victory against Saint-Étienne, the men of AVB have obtained 7 points and sit in 8th in the standings.
Next meeting for Steve Mandanda and his teammates: Sunday 15 September at 9pm with a trip to Monaco.
