OM - LOSC (1-2) | 10-man Olympians fall to defeat

Olympique de Marseille went down 1-2 to Lille on Friday night at the Orange Vélodrome.

After a first win in several weeks last weekend against Caen, the onus was on the team to chain the victories that would see them move up the table.

Indeed, it looked to be the perfect start inside 3 minutes when Nemanja Radonjic poked home from a loose ball to seemingly put OM ahead. However. despite VAR consultations the goal was later chalked off for an offside in the build-up.

Still, OM looked good value in the first half which was dented by a penalty call. Luiz Gustavo was adjudged to have fouled in the box, with the decision going to the VAR.

Nicolas Pepe stepped up to convert from the spot as OM unfortunately trailed at the half-time break. The second half proved a rather cagey affair as both sides struggled for rhythm.

Kevin Strootman came closest with a header wide, before OM were reduced to 10 men when Florian Thauvin saw a direct red for a foul on Kone

There was late drama - both good and bad for OM. Nicolas Pepe settled the match in the 94th minute with a counter attack before Mario Balotelli, off the bench struck a consolation goal for his debut.