Apollon - OM (2-2) | Pegged back in Cyprus

A stoppage time goal denied Olympique de Marseille all three points in what was ultimately a 2-2 draw against Apollon Limassol in the UEFA Europa League.

After a tough fortnight of results, OM were up against a side who also saw defeat in their opening Europa League assignment - with both teams keen to get on to the scoreboard early on.

It was Rudi Garcia’s men that dominated the early stages, and Kostas Mitroglou almost took the lead inside 90 seconds - though his header from Maxime Lopez’s cross went wide.

There were few chances for either side in a cagey first half in Nicosia, but OM would strike first four minutes into the second period. Dimitri Payet eliminated 5 defenders and the goalkeeper in a stunning individual goal to put the visitors ahead.

Bouna Sarr denied the hosts with a wonderful goal-saving clearance before the counter attack was used to full effect again through Luiz Gustavo’s 25 metre effort that beat the goalkeeper.

But Apollon pushed back and pushed hard. First, Markovic struck a fine shot into the top corner, before Emilio Zelaya’s 91st minute equaliser saw OM leave Cyprus with only a point.

The Europa League continues in three weeks against Lazio who lost 4-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt.