Alexis Sanchez struggled to make an impression as Olympique de Marseille were held winless against FC Lorient on Sunday night at the Stade du Mustoir.
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Match Summary
Leonardo Balerdi returned to Marseille’s starting lineup after serving a ban. However his mis-control nearly allowed Lorient a goal with Romain Faivre through run on goal. Fotunately Samuel Gigot recovered to take the sting out of his shot and Pau Lopez collected neatly (6′). Cengiz Under then tested Vito Mannone at the opposite end, with the former Arsenal man equalising (12′). Balerdi’s clearance soon after only went as far as Faivre. He tried again, but failed to test Lopez (21′). Balerdi tried to get things going in Lorient’s box after looking wobbly in his own, but he blasted off target after Under’s free-kick (39′). It was goalless at the break.
The second half began slowly but quickly picked up when Sead Kolasinac raced through the back and hammered a low cross in for Alexis Snchez, but Montassar Talbi saved the day with a last-ditch tackle (59′). Soon after, Bamba Dieng came close to opening the scoring against his former club, breaking the ball in the area and unleashing fly on the turn, but Lopez stopped excellently (63′). Nuno Tavares followed with a high effort on his weaker right foot (67′). Ibrahima Koné could have won it all for Lorient at the death after being passed through, but Lopez rushed off his line to clear (88′) and the game ended 0-0.
Marseille goalie Lopez is declared as Player of the match
On Sunday, Lopez saved all five shots on goal. The Spaniard and his team may have had a bad night, but he continues to impress on an individual level. Lopez has already expressed his respect for former OM captain Steve Mandanda, who is now with Stade Rennais FC, and performances like this make him proud.
Lorient escape another humiliation
Lorient avoided defeat to Marseille for the first time in seven encounters. Les Merlus haven’t beaten les Phocéens since a stunning 5-3 victory at the Orange Vélodrome in April 2015. The Ayew brothers were both on target that day, André for OM and Jordan for Lorient.
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