1st Team

Nice - OM (3-0) : OM defeated

Analyse
Posted by
OM.fr
On Saturday 20 March 2021 at 06:00
Jorge Sampaoli's Olympique de Marseille lost 3-0 at Nice on Saturday afternoon.

TWO CHANGES IN THE XI

Jorge Sampaoli had to do without one of his key players, Boubacar Kamara, for his first away trip with Marseille. The midfielder, who was selected during the week for the French U-21 team, was suspended for the match and replaced by Gueye. The Argentinian coach kept exactly the same defence used in the two previous matches: Lirola, Balerdi, Gonzalez, Caleta-Car, and Nagatomo. 

In midfield, in addition to Gueye, another change was made with Ntcham starting. As against Brest, Thauvin, Milik and Payet completed the 3-5-2 formation.

The OM 11 : Mandanda (cap) - Lirola, Balerdi, Gonzalez, Caleta-Car, Nagatomo - Thauvin, Gueye, Ntcham - Payet, Milik. 

 

FIRST HALF

As usual, the Olympiens were pressing intensively. Almost the entire team was present in the opposing camp. Despite several clear chances, including a shot from Milik and another from Payet, it was Nice who managed to open the score with a header from Thuram. Earlier in the match, the Olympiens had to deal with the injury to Nagatomo. The Japanese player was only able to play for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, after contact with a player from Nice, he touched his thigh and immediately looked at the bench. The left-back could have opened the scoring shortly before, when he failed to connect with Thauvin's inch-perfect cross. He was replaced by his compatriot, Hiroki Sakai. 

 

SECOND HALF

With his team trailing at the break, Jorge Sampaoli reacted quickly by bringing on Luis Henrique for Olivier Ntcham. The Olympiens changed their system from five to four defenders and Leonardo Balerdi moved up a notch. Marseille had to deal with a strong Niçois block and it was difficult to create chances. The Aiglons managed to make the breakthrough thanks to Gouiri who beat Mandanda with a low shot. The attacking changes with the entry of Khaoui and Benedetto brought madness in a lively end of the match as the Argentine reduced the score with a magnificent volley refused by the VAR for an offside position.

 

The match ended with a third goal from Nice that sealed OM's defeat. Now it's time for the international break for the Olympiens.