In front at the break, OM lost in the second half to a outrageously realistic PSG. A disappointing first defeat in the League, which means Marseille will not be top of the League tonight.
1-1 Niang (21’)
2-1 Valbuena (45’)
2-2 Luyindula (53’)
2-3 Rothen (76’)
2-4 Hoarau (83’)
OM have suffered their first defeat of the season and it could not have come at a worse time as Marseille had the top spot in the League in their sights, as it was a special match, the derby against Paris.
There was also a great sense of frustration. One image remains clear in our minds. That of Hilton waiting impatiently to come back on after having had some treatment on the sidelines, and having to watch from his position off the field the Parisian equaliser. It was this moment that really kicked off the second half. Luck seemed to have deserted OM for their opponents on two other occasions. Firstly when Cheyrou sent a magnificent volley crashing into the crossbar, then the fact that he missed the free-kick swung in by Rothen, Hoarau surprised Mandanda, making the score 2-3.
Warming up at that moment, Ronald Zubar was knocked back with shock. He was in tune with the rest of the stadium which was in shock.
The task of playmaking had been handed to Valbuena. In the second half, Erik Gerets threw on Samassa in the place of Kaboré , then Zenden came on for Niang at the end of the match.
The Marseille public did not realise that they were having things easy in the first half. The match had, however, started off poorly with Hoarau opening the scoring, heading home a corner (10’). But with great serenity, OM had managed to more than get their heads above water. The pressure they put on the Parisian defence bore fruit when Bourillon flicked the ball away from his own keeper following a cross from Kaboré, Niang was lurking at the back post and headed the ball into the empty net (21’, 1-1).
This equaliser completely liberated Marseille. Their play became more balanced and delicate. The many inspirations from Valbuena playing in Koné made us think that a second goal was not far off, that it was just a question of time. Taking advantage of a brilliant tackle by Cheyrou, Koné managed to get Landreau out of position. His shot was saved by the Parisian goalkeeper, but was deflected into the path of Valbuena, who fired home (2-1, 45’).
OM went in at half time on top of the League 1. But they would go on to disappoint, even if Niang should have been awarded a penalty, conceding three goals to PSG and not scoring any more. The final goal came straight off the training ground. A typical counter attack at the end of the game, when an equaliser was still possible. Luyindula slid the ball, unselfishly, to Hoarau who made the final score 2-4. You almost had to pinch yourself to believe it, and open wide your eyes to take in what the scoreboard read. From four chances, PSG scored as many goals. The OM squad were forced to leave the Vélodrome quite unhappy.
70'
45'
82'
80'
