Monaco - OM (2-1): The report

A 4-4-2 line-up

For this Coupe de la Ligue BKT debut against Monaco, André Villas-Boas decided to set up a 4-4-2 system. As ever since the beginning of the season, Captain Steve Mandanda kept goal. In defence, the OM coach renewed the central partnership made up of Kamara and Ćaleta-Car. Jordan Amavi returned to the starting line-up as a left-back and Hiroki Sakaï returned to his usual position as a right-back. In midfield, the Portuguese coach started Dimitri Payet on the left side, Morgan Sanson made his comeback with Kevin Strootman in the centre and Bouna Sarr was on the right flank. In front, Marley Aké made his first start alongside Valère Germain.

The match

This round of 32 started without too much rhythm on the field. It was not until the seventh minute of play that Amavi fired the first shot of the game. The Olympians were quite offensive in the first twenty minutes. Marley Aké almost opened the scoring for OM but his shot went within a few centimetres of Benjamin Lecomte's goal (12'). But Monaco was pushing. Mandanda was involved several times but could not do anything on Jean-Kévin Augustin Augustin's right half-volley (1-0, 23'). Seventeen minutes later, Mandanda stopped a shot from the French striker but the ball went to Ruben Aguilar, who passed on the first goal, doubling Monaco's lead with a flat right foot (2-0, 40').

After the half, Villas-Boas made two changes to revitalise the team. Rongier replaced Ake and Sarr gave up his place to Radonjić. The Serbian international had the most dangerous opportunity of the second half, but his right foot shot outside the box failed to find the target (66'). OM came back into the game thanks to a good job from Dimitri Payet on the left side. The Marseille man eliminated Aguilar in the penalty area and his shot went between Benjamin Lecomte's legs (2-1, 78'). Unfortunately, the Marseille team lost 2-1 after trying to level the score at the end of the game.

Getting back to work

The Olympians will have to get back to work quickly after this defeat. André Villas-Boas' team will face Lille on Saturday at 5.30pm at the Orange Velodrome for the 12th round of the Ligue 1 Conforama. The people of Marseille will want to react almost a week after their defeat in Paris in the league. Seventh in the standings, OM must win against this direct competitor to stay close to the podium. Especially since on Matchday 13, Steve Mandanda's team-mates will meet Lyon.