Solid dolphin of PSG and on an impressive series of 14 games without defeat in the league (11 wins, 3 draws), Marseille had fallen last week against Nantes (1-3). But, carried by an effective Benedetto author of a hat-trick, the men of Villas-Boas recovered this Friday by winning in Nîmes (2-3) on behalf of the 27th day of L1. With an 11-length lead over 3rd Rennes, OM are heading straight for a qualification for the next Champions League. The Nîmes (18th), who remained on 4 wins in the last 5 games, will have to fight to the end to extend their lease among the elite.
What you must remember
The Nîmes, make a start of canon match rewarded by a goal from Fehrat after a superb collective action (1-0, 5th). But, Marseille reacts immediately through its goleador Dario Benedetto. The Argentinian is first at the reception of a millimeter service from Bouna Sarr to equalize in the empty goal (1-1, 10th) then he achieved the double at the end of the first period thanks to a subtle lob after an opening of Dimitri Payet (1-2, 36th). On the return from the locker room, the Gardois push. Nolan Roux, well placed, removes his shot a little too much (50th) then Sidy Sarr's shot goes close to the right amount of Mandada (52nd). At the hour of play, the Marseille porter saves his team by intervening brilliantly in front of Landre then the action continues with a head of Rippart right next to it. In the next minute, Mandanda deflects Fehrat's long shot into a corner. Marseille folds but does not break and breaks after a half-volley by Benedetto (1-3, 69th). Deaux's last goal is anecdotal. OM have recorded their 8th away success of the season.
Player of the match: Dario Benedetto
Thanks to his hat-trick at the Costières stadium, the Argentinian climbed to 5th in the scorer ranking (tied with Parisian Mauro Icardi) with 11 goals. The goleador first struck by scoring a first goal full of opportunism after an excellent service from Bouna Sarr then the Marseille striker doubled the bet following a clever lob in front of Paul Bernardoni before achieving the hat-trick on a half-volley (69th). The goleador is definitely very comfortable on the move since he scored 9 of his 11 away goals.
The number: 8
Since its crushing setback at the Parc des Princes against PSG (4-0) on October 27, Marseille has won 6 away games (Toulouse, Angers, Rennes, Saint-Etienne, Lille, Nîmes) and has conceded two draws (Metz, Bordeaux).