Nîmes - OM (2-3) : Benedetto hits a triple
THE STARTING XI
With Strootman suspended, Sakai and Radonjic injured, Andre Villas-Boas had little margin to establish his team's line-up for Friday night's match against Nimes at the Stade des Costières in the opening match of the 27th round of Ligue 1 action at Conforama. The Portuguese coach relied on the same starting eleven as against Nantes last week at the Orange Velodrome (1-3).
OM GET STUCK AT THE START
OM conceded a goal in the fifth minute of play on Nimes' first foray into the penalty area. The Crocodiles' captain Ripart, on the right, sent Ferhat's shot between two Olympians into Roux, whose shot was saved by Mandanda, but Ferhat followed up to send the ball into the net.
Nimes eventually reduced the deficit at the end of the game when Deaux headed in a corner. It was an anecdotal goal, but it did not stop André Villas-Boas' men from claiming all three points.
THE BENEDETTO HAT-TRICK
After opening the scoring, Marseille reacted quickly. In the tenth minute, Kamara shifted Sarr to the right and his cross found Benedetto in the back of the defence for the equaliser. The Argentinian scored his ninth goal of the season and his seventh away from home.
The Olympic striker doubled the lead in the 37th minute when Payet's beautiful serve was saved by the Olympian. Benedetto went to the edge of the offside area and won his duel with Bernardoni with a fine lob. L'OM took the lead for the first time in the match.
While Nimes were dominating in the second half, Benedetto allowed OM to go further ahead. From the left, the striker picked up a ball that was not dealt with by the Gardoise defence and dipped Bernardoni with a fine shot.
A great evening for Benedetto!
Mandanda SAVES HIS SIDE
In a complicated second half for OM, the Olympian captain made some important saves against Ferhat, Landre and Benrahou. As his side struggled, Mandanda's saves boosted morale and restored confidence to his team-mates, who subsequently increased their lead.
The Olympian's saves from the man with the most games in the blue and white jersey have again helped OM take points that will count for much in the final tally.
Alvaro suSPENDED IN Montpellier
OM takes a lot of yellow cards. In fact, it is the team that is taking the most yellow cards in Ligue 1 Conforama this season. The central defender was cautioned during the match at the Costières. In danger before kick-off, the Spaniard will be suspended for the trip to Montpellier on Saturday 14 March at 5.30pm at the Mosson on Matchday 29 of the Ligue 1 Conforama.
