1st Team

Glasgow Rangers 1 - 1 OM | OM stumble against Rangers

Posted by
Sébastien Paoli
On Sunday 23 July 2017 at 02:20

In their preparation phase, OM wanted to have a seventh consecutive win. In order to have achieved this "grand slam", they needed to make a stopover in Glasgow, where the Rangers were waiting resolutely for the Olympiens.

When the action got underway, it was the boys from Marseille who tried to quickly gain control of the ball and take charge of the match. But at the start of the match, suitable as an observation round, the Rangers put up a solid opposition against Rudi Garcia's men. It is the Scots, thanks to a shot from Dorrans, who strike first but this doesn't upset Steve Mandanda (13'). The Olympiens, on the other hand, come together and reply with a curling shot from Florian Thauvin outside of the box, which passes outside the Rangers' frame (17'). 

At the half hour, neither team had a great opportunity to take the lead. The game heats up, the Rangers seeming to be more dangerous especially when Hubocan (36') or Sakai (39') get between the ever-energetic Candeias.

The end of the first half approaches. OM are once again in danger but the defense and its experienced Rami-Rolando combo put a stop to the opponent's attacks. The referee whistles half-time with a score of 0-0.

On returning from the changing rooms, neither team changes around their players. During half-time, perhaps Rudi Garcia's pep talk perked up his players. The Olympiens play higher up the pitch but as the game kicks off again, they still are running up against the Scottish midfielders. 

At the hour mark, with fatigue on both sides, the two teams stretch out and offer open spaces to the strikers. First of all, there is a lack of coherence of the Olympique defense which provides Morelos the chance to upset Mandanda (60'). A danger that causes the boys from Marseille to wake up in the minute that follows, Sanson on the left sending a glorious pass to Valère Germain. The new Olympien striker does not need to be asked twice to send a superb volley in the back of Foderingham's net (63 ).

With the opening of the score, OM try to keep it in control. They were not counting on Kranjcar, who dropped a magnificent free kick in the top corner, passing Mandanda and equalising the game (75').

The end of the match changes nothing. The two sides end up with an equal score of 1-1.

Rudi Garcia wanted the conditions of a European Cup, in a big stadium and in front of passionate supporters. He got what he wanted. With this draw in Scotland, Olympique de Marseille finish off their unbeaten summer preparation. A good omen for the start of the season