ASSE-OM (1-0) : OM go down to defeat

STARTING XI

For the match against Saint-Etienne, Jorge Sampaoli continued with his 3-5-2 system with two changes in the starting line-up compared to the match against Strasbourg. Henrique, who has been decisive in his last few appearances, replaced Nagatomo on the left flank. In midfield, Pape Gueye, lined up alongside Boubacar Kamara and Florian Thauvin, replaced Valentin Rongier. The rest of the starting line-up was the standard set-up with a three-man central defence (Balerdi, Alvaro, Caleta-Car). Arek Milik and Dimitri Payet occupied the attack. 

OM XI : Mandanda (cap) - Lirola, Balerdi, Alvaro, Caleta-Car, Henrique - Thauvin, Kamara, Gueye - Payet, Milik.

FIRST HALF

Playing against Saint-Étienne, who were already aiming for survival, the match was bound to be open. And although Milik was the first to fire a shot from distance in the second minute, the St Etienne side then pressed hard and the Olympiens found it difficult to break free. The hosts were on the attack and had to rely on a great Steve Mandanda, who made three great saves, including two in front of Khazri, to keep them at bay. Unfortunately, the Olympiens conceded a goal at the end of the period through Nordin who took a cross from Khazri. At the break, OM were 1-0 down.

SECOND HALF

The Olympiens came back on the field with good intentions. Henrique was very active on the left and delivered a cross for Thauvin, but his left-footed shot was saved by Trauco. The host side was forced into action and Payet was given two excellent free-kicks. The Frenchman was determined and saw his first shot hit the post. From the second set-piece, Green stepped up to the plate. The young St. Etienne goalkeeper, in great form, gave the Olympians a hard time and Benedetto, who came on a few minutes earlier, saw his shot saved by the St. Etienne keeper. 

The Olympiens therefore suffered defeat at Geoffroy-Guichard. Jorge Sampaoli's players remain fifth (with a better goal difference than Lens) while waiting for the result of Rennes against PSG this Sunday evening.