Benfica-OM (1-1) : Payet glows in Portugal

FIRST HALF

In this mythical Estadio da Luz, OM had an appointment with Benfica to play its fifth preparation match. Compared to the previous game, Jorge Sampaoli made only one change with Luan Peres. After twelve minutes of play, OM conceded a penalty, converted by Pizzi. As usual since the beginning of the preparation, Bamba Dieng was showing his burgeoning ability with his good movement and his speed. Following a nice movement initiated by Henrique, the Olympians equalized (38th). Henrique turned to Payet, who crossed the ball past the Portuguese goalkeeper with his left foot. At the break, the two teams were back to back (1-1). 

Starting XI : Mandanda (cap) - Balerdi, Alvaro, Peres - Ünder, Kamara, Gueye, Gerson, Henrique - Dieng, Payet.

SECOND HALF

At the end of the second half, the coach made two changes in the midfield with the entry of Valentin Rongier and Mattéo Guendouzi. The Olympians were surprised on the hour mark but the Portuguese goal was disallowed for an offside position.

In a rather balanced second half, Marseille offered more attacking rigour: Radonjic passed back to Gueye who let the ball go to Guendouzi. The midfielder took the ball in one touch but his shot was not on target. 

As against Braga, OM left Lisbon with a 1-1 draw against a team that was playing its last preparation match. In only three days, OM will face Saint-Etienne for its penultimate rehearsal before the start of the 2021-22 season.