OM - Montpellier (0-0) | Disappointing night as OM held

OM were held to a goalless draw on Sunday night at Orange Velodrome against a plucky Montpellier side. The result saw the Olympiens drop out of the Champions League spots on goal difference.

Rudi Garcia fielded nearly the same team as the one on Thursday, with Maxime Lopez the only change. Against a Montpellier side renowned for their defensive strength and stubbornness, OM had to act fast.

The tempo was pretty high-paced in the opening exchanges. The hosts saw the vast majority of the ball, and peppered the Montpellier box with numerous corners - the best chance falling to Bouna Sarr, who couldn’t get a second-time shot on target after his first effort hit his team-mate.

Yohann Pele enjoyed a quiet night in goal, with only a Giovani Sio shot being of any threat to the OM goal, as the team continued its pace.

Morgan Sanson struck the post with a well-timed shot from a Dimitri Payet pass. The former Montpellier man was unlucky to score, having controlled the ball superbly to be put into position.

As time began to ran out though, OM stepped up the pace. An unfortunate penalty decision was denied late on by the referee, though replays showed Kostas Mitroglou was brought down by Hilton.

OM drop to 4th on goal difference, with Lyon winning 5-0 in Metz earlier in the day. The team hosts RB Leipzig on Thursday needing at least two goals to progress to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, an achievement which will no doubt make up for tonight’s disappointment.