OM are smiling again at home. Stuck in a series of five consecutive matches without a win at the Vélodrome, the Marseille club set the record straight, by winning against Troyes (3-1). An authoritative and precious success which allows him to overtake Lens and regain the coveted second place in the ranking.
For this unbalanced match on paper, Igor Tudor has reserved several surprises in his starting lineup, with the tenure of Kaboré and Vitinha. The latter was quick to validate his coach’s choices. Mute since his arrival this winter, the Portuguese striker unlocked his counter from the start, at the heart of an outdated Aube defense (1-0, 2nd). Ideally launched, OM outrageously dominated the debates, against Trojans who were far too limited. The chances followed quickly but it took until the end of the first period to see the Phocaeans double the lead. After a lot of work from Rongier, omnipresent in the middle, Under took his time to deceive Gallon (2-0, 40th).
Vitinha’s double
Lost since the post-World Cup and left behind in the race to maintain, ten points behind the first non-relegation, Troyes never found the resources to worry Marseille still dominating on the return from the locker room. With total control, the Olympians unrolled and widened the gap without forcing. Vitinha, very present in the game, offered himself the double, following a header from Gigot pushed back by the post (3-0, 64th). Superior in all respects, OM finally went down in the last minutes, but Baldé’s reduction in the gap in added time remained anecdotal (3-1, 90th 1).
Now dolphin of a PSG out of reach, OM have a head start on Lens, and three on Monaco. There are now seven matches left for the Olympians to maintain this position. A final sprint that promises to be breathless given the challenges. And the calendar. The Marseillais will travel to Groupama Stadium next Sunday to face the Lyon rival. Adversity should be much tougher.
