OM - Nimes (2-1) | Germain & Gustavo seal victory

Olympique de Marseille earned a narrow 2-1 victory over Nimes Olympique on Saturday afternoon at the Orange Velodrome.

The victory enabled OM to return to winning ways after a draw and two defeats in the last three league outings. With Lyon failing to win the night before, the onus was on the team to continue their good home record today.

The first half saw the hosts dominate their visitors. Florian Thauvin and Nemanja Radonjic went particularly close - but the team were soon dealt a blow when Mario Balotelli limped off with injury after 32 minutes.

Steve Mandanda saved well from Teji Savanier as Nimes threatened on occasion - but OM went into the break level with their opponents.

Two second half goals were both chalked off by the video assistant referee that led to OM wondering whether they’d ever break the deadlock.

The deadlock however was certainly broken in the 72nd minute when substitute Valere Germain headed in from Dimitri Payet’s cross. Just a minute later, Luiz Gustavo made it 2-0 with a sumptuous lob over Paul Bernadoni.

The team had it nervy in the late stages when Savanier reduced the arrears for his side through the penalty. And hearts did stop in stoppage time when the referee awarded Nimes another penalty, which was later annulled by the VAR.

OM return to 4th, just five points behind Lyon in the race for the podium.