Dijon - OM (1-3): Late drama sees OM snatch win

OM picked up a very late 3-1 success against a stubborn and resolute Dijon side to consolidate 3rd place in the Ligue 1 Conforama.

After 13 days away from competitive action, and the memory of the disappointing defeat to Lyon still rankling, the team needed a fightback to steam ahead on the occasion of Rudi Garcia’s 300th L1 match.

In a cagey opening affair, neither side could trouble the goalkeepers, with Morgan Sanson’s fluffed effort the closest chance OM had.

But it was the visitors who scored first. After 36 minutes, Dimitri Payet coolly beat his opponent to square the ball to Valere Germain whose neat finish eventually evaded Baptiste Reynet in the DFCO goal.

Both teams struggled with injuries inflicted throughout the game. Florent Balmont was stretchered off, before Julio Tavares required medical attention for a facial injury. On the OM side, Steve Mandanda was forced off just after the second half resumption - with the goalkeeper now a doubt for Thursday’s big European showdown.

Dijon grew more confident, and substitute Kwok equalised less than two minutes after being subbed on. With the hosts now in the ascendancy, few believed OM could withstand the storm.

But that they did, as Lucas Ocampos popped up in the 88th minute to divert the ball past Reynet and restore OM’s lead. The Argentine was upended in stoppage time, with the referee awarding the visitors a penalty, though Reynet forced a top save from Payet.

Lady luck smiled on OM, however, as Cedric Yambere was shown in a red card. Another penalty, another chance for Payet - and this time he did not disappoint, as OM sealed at 3-1 victory.

Attention now turns to Thursday's UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Red Bull Leipzig in Germany, before OM resume in domestic action against Montpellier next weekend.