Granville - OM (0-3): Moving on in the Coupe de France
Starting XI
For this round finals of the Coupe de France, André Villas-Boas made several changes to his team. In goal, Pelé replaced Mandanda. Sakai returned from suspension to the right side and Kamara came back into the central defense. In the holding role, Strootman stepped up and up front, Germain replaced Benedetto while Lopez took over for Radonjic.
one Way Traffic in the first half
Les Olympiens challenged US Granville's goalkeeper, Baltus, throughout the first 45 minutes.. The Norman backstop was called upon to stop opportunities by Rongier, Payet, Germain and Kamara. The dominating Marseillais were not challenged much, as Pelé touched very few balls in the first 45 minutes.
OM Takes control
In the second half, Benedetto replaced Sanson. In terms of play, the Marseillais still dominated on all fronts. Kamara, Payet, Benedetto all levied attempts, but it was not until the Granvilleans were reduced to 10 mean that Les Olympiens opened the scoring on a goal by Alvaro Gonzalez off an Strootman assist. Baltus could only deflect the ball into his own goal.
In numerical superiority, OM continued to dominate. Lopez missed the target but Radonjic, who entered shortly before, doubled the score with a powerful strike upon entering the area. In stoppagee time, Payet beat the Norman goalkeeper from a distance with a beautiful, curled strike.
First Goal For Alvaro Gonzalez !
Arriving last summer from Villarreal, Alvaro Gonzalez quickly made his mark in the Marseille defense. The Spaniard has become a force: With him, OM simply do not lose. Paired with Caleta-Car, Kamara or Perrin, the native of Potes brings experience and quality to play alongside the younger players.
In Normandy, he scored his first goal as an Olympien.
A new Draw
Qualifying for the knockout stages of the Coupe de France after this win over Granville, les Olympiens will have to wait until Sunday evening to know their opponent for the next round. The draw will take place Sunday after the Lorient - PSG meeting. The matches will take place on the 28 or 29 of January 2020.
