OM - Lorient (3-2) : At the buzzer

A MAKESHIFT DEFENCE 

Despite the return of Sakai and Nagatomo to the squad, it was a reshuffled defence that was put in place to face Lorient. The absence of Caleta-Car and Alvaro, both suspended, led Jorge Sampaoli to reshape his central axis by lining up Perrin, Balerdi and Sakai. In midfield, Kamara was the defensive midfielder, surrounded by Gueye, and Cuisance, back in the starting line-up. No changes were made up front with Milik and Payet leading the attack.
 

The OM starting XI : Mandanda (cap) - Lirola, Perrin, Balerdi, Kamara, Sakai - Thauvin, Gueye, Cuisance - Payet, Milik.
 

Before the match, a tribute was paid to Larbi Chicha (Ahmed Ben Larbi Chicha), a former Olympian during four years (1955-1959), where he scored ten goals. The former attacking midfielder sadly passed away on 3 January at the age of 86. The people of Marseille have a thought for him today. A minute's applause was also held in memory of Michel Hidalgo, who passed away a little over a year ago and will always be remembered in Marseille.

THE FIRST HALF

It is always difficult to face teams who are playing for their survival at the end of the season. Lorient, not yet saved, is the perfect example. Indeed, against a very low block, the Olympians had a large amount of possession of the ball (76%). However, it was difficult to create situations against a wall. In the first half, Lorient took advantage of their only opportunity to open the score, which was concluded by Moffi. Balerdi then tried to respond to the goal with a header, but his shot was off target. 

PAYET'S SUPER STRIKE 

Jorge Sampaoli was quick to respond. After the break, the Argentine coach introduced Henrique in place of Perrin. Kamara dropped down a notch and played the second half at centre-back. OM showed a completely different face and stifled their opponents, taking opportunity after opportunity. It was hot in front of the Lorient goal, and Milik was denied by Dreyer. On the following action, Payet's cannon shot left no chance for the opposing keeper this time. The Frenchman volleyed the ball into the back of the net from a header by Milik.

LIROLA'S DOUBLE

The Olympians were free to try and double their lead quickly and succeeded four minutes later when Lirola finished off a Thauvin pass. The hardest part was done, and Payet even had the breakthrough, which he did not finish. On an express counter-attack, Moffi equalised for Lorient. The Bretons had other chances but found a Steve Mandanda who was determined not to concede again. As the game drew to a close, Pol Lirola, again on his own, fired a low shot into the corner of Dreyer's net. The referee whistled a last corner for Lorient which was not successful, and OM could rest.

OM KEEP FIFTH IN SIGHT

The win was a good result for Marseille, who are still behind Lens (who play in Brest on Sunday). Jorge Sampaoli's men were put under pressure to secure a result by Rennes, who had won 3-0 against Angers a few hours earlier. OM are still in sixth place and have 52 points. The Olympiens will open the 34th round of the Ligue 1 Uber Eats with a trip to Reims.