OM - Amiens (2-2): OM disappointed at the death

The Starting XI

Compared to the starting XI that ran out against Nîmes at the Stade des Costières, André Villas-Boas made only one change ahead of facing Amiens. Caleta-Car's absence forced the Portuguese manager to move Kamara into central defense with Alvaro, while he was replaced in the midfield by Strootman.
 

The 76ers In the spotlight

No, it is not the NBA team from Philadelphia, but rather the OM players who won the ninth French Cup in Olympien history in 1976. Marius Trésor, Gérard Migeon, Albert Emon, Robert Buigues, Roland Gransart, François Bracci, Jules Zvunka and Jacky Lemée were the guests of honour for OM. They were warmly applauded when they entered the pitch during the warm-up.
On June 12, 1976, OM beat Lyon in the Coupe de France final at the Parc des Princes thanks to goals from Raul Nogues and Boubacar Sarr.

steve Mandanda REWARDED

After an excellent February, the Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper was voted "Puma's Olympien of the Month." In particular, Steve Mandanda stopped 74% of the shots he faced last month.
The Marseille captain received the "Olympien of the Month" trophy before the warm-up in front of the Jean-Bouin grandstand among happy supporters.

First half: Sanson's strike

There was not much to focus on in the first 45 minutes of Matchday 28's Ligue 1 Conforama opener. OM out-possessed (60-40) and controlled the ball but could not do much harm to a well-organised and compact defense. André Villas-Boas’s men levied four shots on goal without success. Payet saw the best opportunity in the 36th minute, but his shot flew wide of the post.
It continued until Sanson’s lightning bolt. In the middle of three Amiens defenders, the midfielder, fed by Strootman, struck a powerful shot from the left side of the 18-yard box which flew and ripped into the net just under the bar!

Second half: the return of Thauvin

Comfortable out of the locker rooms with a goal-advantage, les Olympiens attacked the second period at pace. Quickly, Payet tried Gurtner with an attempt, but the goalkeeper held his line. It only delayed the inevitable, as Payet tried his luck from afar next. His shot deflected off of Chedjou to deceive the Amiens 'keeper.
OM doubled the lead and saw Amiens push forward in search of goals.
The second period exploded in the 80th minute as Payet gave way to Thauvin, who's name was sung by the Orange Velodrome. The Orleans-native made his first appearance since September 1, 2019 against AS Saint-Etienne.
Amiens ultimately narrowed the gap after a foul by Amavi inside the box. Guirassy converted the penalty (84th). Moments later, the attacker was close to equalising on a corner but his header hit the crossbar!
Thauvin wasted no time in showing that he was hungry in front of goal and, above all, that he had lost none of his quality. He brought the ball into the left side of the box, dribbled and struck ... but it was blocked several defenders.
In stoppage time, Amiens managed to equalise via Ghoddoos on a cross by Calabresi.
Les Olympiens will next aim to take points in Montpellier before hosting PSG ...