1st Team

FC Nantes 0-1 OM: OM play... down to the wire

Posted by
Frédéric Rostain
On Sunday 13 August 2017 at 02:30

After a first success on the inaugural day of the Ligue 1 (3-0 against Dijon), Rudi Garcia was forced to make only one change due to Dimitri Payet's injury. Having played impressively against Dijon at the Orange Velodrome with two scores, Clinton Njie was naturally named first-team player. The surprise came on the middle of the field where, in place of Morgan Sanson, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa found himself first-team platter for the first time since April 9th 2017.


The Cameroonian was the first of Marseille to score against FC Nantes' Romanian goalkeeper, Ciprian Tatarusanu. By the fourth minute, he had denied a strike that was both long-range and powerful by Zambo Anguissa. The Nantes goalkeeper was brilliant throughout the first half with a decisive and spectacular display. Florian Thauvin with his head, Valère Germain also with his head, Clinton Njie and Maxime Lopez all stumbled against Nantes' last hurdle, who played his first match in the Ligue 1! With long balls and speed, the Olympiens managed to break through the opposing defense but failed to get past Ciprian Tatarusanu in the first half.


A period marked by three changes made by Claudio Ranieri following injuries to his players. After only 25 minutes, the Italian manager had brought in three substitutes ... But Nantes felt no immediate consequences.


This may have even boosted Nantes who dominated the second half when another goalkeeper showed his worth: Steve Mandanda. The Marseille goalkeeper blocked three great opportunities from Lima and Diego Carlos. The second half didn't flow as much as the first. Both teams also allowed less space. Morgan Sanson and Lucas Ocampos came on. Claudio Ranieri would have liked to have this luxury when Diego Carlos injured his shoulder and finished the encounter with his arm in a sling.


Ciprian Tatarusanu, who had not been seen as much in the second half due to the low number of attacks by OM, continued his performance by thwarting a shot from Florian Thauvin. The winger, who hails from Orléans, was also ruled off-side, just before, following a good serve from Morgan Sanson. The goal was naturally denied. Adil Rami, with a headshot, then slightly missed the frame. Rémy Cabella came into play for the closing five minutes of the game. But it was another substitute, Lucas Ocampos with a header, who finally succeeded in outwitting the Romanian goalkeeper after a centre kick from Florian Thauvin, with it barely being extended by Valère Germain.


Nantes got a wake-up call after the opening of the score. They had three huge opportunities for Sala and Iloki, one of which crashing against Mandanda's crossbar.

Rudi Garcia's men have recorded a second success after only a few days and have yet to let in a goal. With six points, they will obviously be positioned in the top teams of the standings. In contrast, Nantes have yet to score any points.


This is how to start the marathon of five matches over fifteen days that the OM will face until August 27th.