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1st Team

Strasbourg - OM (1-1) | Olympiens held after Germain opener

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OM.net
On Friday 3 May 2019 at 08:48

Olympique de Marseille were held to a 1-1 draw against RC Strasbourg Alsace on Friday evening at Stade de la Meinau.

Rudi Garcia’s men needed to secure a victory in the east of France with results elsewhere allowing Montpellier to leapfrog the Olympians into fifth place. The coach, who spoke on Friday about believing to the end fielded a strong 11 with the additions of Kevin Strootman and Adil Rami to counter the hosts’ efficiency in their home stadium.

The first half proved to be a tense, yet unproductive affair. Neither side tested the goalkeeper with Luiz Gustavo coming close - being denied by a wonderful parry by Matz Sels.

As has been the case recently OM hit the ground running in the second half. Like in Paris in March, it was Valere Germain who struck the opener after 48 minutes latching onto a fine header from Hiroki Sakai to curl past Sels.

OM almost made it two when Duje Caleta-Car hit the post after a corner with Lucas Ocampos and Gustavo both coming close again.

At the other end the hosts won a penalty. Steve Mandanda initially saved from Jonas Martin but the follow-up was converted by Kenny Lala.

The visitors pushed for a winner which ultimately never came as the points were shared. OM host Lyon next weekend in the 36th round.