OM 2 - 1 Sporting Portugal | OM remain solid
The Olympiens enter the last stretch of their preparations After an encouraging victory against Fenerbahçe (1-0), they again played solidly on Tuesday in Évian-les-Bains. This was an all European combat with OM against Sporting Club Portugal (qualified for the third preliminary round of the UEFA Champions League). For the occasion, Rudi Garcia chose to bring on his two new recruits, Steve Mandanda and Adil Rami.
One thing's for sure, this first match was not to be missed. In the second minute, Clinton Njie throws himself in on the left-hand side. He dodges the goalkeeper with a glorious sidestep and sends the ball into the back of the net (1-0, '2).
At the start of the match, it was the OM who were ahead and moving the ball around but Sporting became more and more insistent and tried to break through the Olympique lines, to no avail. The defense were on the watch.
At half an hour, the game balances out, spaces are harder to find for both teams even if Sporting cause Steve Mandanda to worry for the first time with a long range shot, that ultimately did not succeed ('32).
With half-time approaching, the intensity of the match declines a little. Sanson, on the right-hand side, center in the six-yard line but Clinton Njie brings his left foot too wide and misses the goal by a hair's breadth ('43).
Half-time is whistled by the referee. The OM, becoming more dangerous, leads with 1-0
After the break, there is a change to the Olympique line-up. Morgan Sanson has replaced Maxime Lopez. The match then gets underway again and OM take control of the ball.
A move that pays off when Tomas Hubocan finds a gap, moves forward, passing the ball to Dimitri Payet on the left-hand side. The international French player, enters the penalty box and finds the ever energetic Clinton Nkie at the far post, who shoots the ball past Pedro Silva, scoring another goal (2-0, '52).
At the hour mark, both managers change around their teams. OM are given a sanction following a challenge by Adil Rami in the box. The referee awards them a penalty a shot Doumbia tricks Mandanda and performs a goal kick (2-1, '71)
The change in score seemed to have given wings to Jorge Jesus' men. Two opportunities put the Olympiens in danger as the match was in its finishing stages ('76. '78)
In a stadium full of fans completely on their side, OM attempt to take control of the game's end, with fatigue making itself known after their third match of the week. But the changes, especially with Valère Germain coming on, offer a final offensive. The keeper blocks off the recently-added striker's shot in the 90th minute.
The referee's whistle signals the end of the match, Luiz Gustavo, promoted to captain for the match, and his teammates, earn a sixth victory in a row. They will go to Glasgow on Saturday to face the Rangers (4pm) and then finish their summer preparation.
