Before playing their qualification for the preliminary round of the Champions League against Panathinaikos in three days, OM received Reims at the Vélodrome for their first match of the season in Ligue 1. Often beaten last season in their lair, this time -ci OM did not give in and recovered after the Japanese Ito opened the quick score for Reims (18th). Marcelino’s men reacted quickly with a superb goal from Ounahi (23rd). The two teams then went blow for blow in the first act with in particular a goal disallowed on both sides.
Much better in the second period, the Phocaeans managed to take off through their center forward Vitinha. Arrived last winter for a record amount of 32 million euros from Braga, the Portuguese little success since his arrival has already opened his goal counter this season in Ligue 1.
Already in the lead on Tuesday and in the return match against the Greeks after the first leg loss (1-0), Marcelino made four major changes from the 11 who lost on Wednesday. Thus Balerdi, suspended, was replaced by Mbemba, rookies Aubameyang and Sarr were rested leaving Murghe and Vitinha to start the match, finally Valentin Rongier was preferred to Jordan Veretout.
Changes that did not disturb OM against a rebuilt Reims team with many arrivals (Diakité, Okumu, Khadra, Wilson-Esbrand…). Without controlling the match, Marseille won, a success that feels good before facing the Greeks on Tuesday.