Metz - OM (1-1) : Qualified for Europa League !
THE FINAL XI OF THE SEASON
OM had a few returns heading into the final game of the season. Jordan Amavi, who had been injured for a long time, was back in the starting line-up tonight, having only played a few minutes against Angers. In central defence, the classic trio of Alvaro, Balerdi and Caleta-Car was lined up, with Lirola on the right side.
In midfield, Bouba Kamara was the defensive midfielder with Dimitri Payet and Pape Gueye alongside him. The attack was led by Arek Milik and Pipa Benedetto.
Jorge Sampaoli was suspended for the match and watched the game from the stand at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
OM XI : Mandanda (cap) - Lirola, Alvaro, Caleta-Car, Amavi - Kamara, Gueye, Payet - Benedetto, Milik.
IN FRONT OF FRANK MCCOURT
The club's owner, Frank Mc Court, had travelled to Metz to attend his team's last game.
Sure to be European before the match, Olympiens needed a draw or a defeat by Lens against Monaco to ensure their fifth place. The match was a great opportunity for Metz to get back into the game, but they were unable to get past a strong team and were unable to find a way around. Steve Mandanda was not troubled by this, but he was able to deal with the two shots he faced perfectly. The Olympiens, for their part, were hampered by a tight defence and were unable to beat Oukidja. At the break, neither team had managed to open the scoring.
THE SECOND HALF
In the second half, the Olympiens took the lead. A good recovery by Benedetto allowed him to unleash a low shot that Oukidja was equal to. A few minutes later, Amavi's speed caused problems for the Messin defence, which conceded an excellent free-kick. Milik was determined to take the ball and with an extremely powerful shot he was thwarted by the keeper.
ADDITIONAL TIME FULL OF DRAMA
With the game heading towards a 0-0 draw, the referee awarded a penalty to Metz, with the help of VAR, in stoppage time (90+4th), converted by Boulaya. And as Mr Ben El Hadj blew his whistle at the end of the game, he was called out by VAR, again, for a foul on Alvaro Gonzalez. After watching the video, the referee pointed to the penalty spot for OM. Milik converted the penalty and scored his ninth Ligue 1 goal of the season without hesitation.
EuropA LEAGUE!
It is now official, the Olympiens will play in the Europa League next season. This point allows OM to consolidate its fifth place. Jorge Sampaoli's men have qualified directly for the group stage of the Europa League. Arek Milik finished as OM's top scorer this season with nine goals.
