ruthless OM with the Montpellier red lantern

Clear, sharp and smudge-free. OM made short work of Montpellier this Sunday, at La Mosson, during the eighth day of L1. 5-0 victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s players, more than ever third in the French championship standings and who already led 3-0 at half-time. At the bottom of the hole, the MHSC, weighed down by around ten absences, occupies the unenviable position of red lantern, with the same number of points as Angers, who brought back a draw from Toulouse (1-1) earlier in the day.

Lacking confidence since the start of the season, Wahi took advantage of his return to Hérault to regain his splendor. It only took 45 seconds for the Marseille striker to open the scoring, with a delivery from Rowe (0-1, 1st). Dominant, the Olympians were not unhappy to see Adams miss the inevitable (34th), after a feat by Rulli in retreating. A big failure all the more painful for the Montpellier residents as OM doubled the lead just after, thanks to Harit (0-2, 36th). So close, so far… The MHSC’s misfortunes were not over: Chotard, injured, was forced to come out (38th) and Höjbjerg increased the score on a serve from Greenwood (0-3, 40th). And again, it could have been worse: Lecomte had some good ones (18th, 45+4) and Nzingoula was not far from a second yellow (43rd).

Montpellier exceeded. And not varnished, when we remember this exploit of Rulli. Coach Der Zakarian’s players returned to the locker room under the whistles of Mosson where the visitors’ parking lot remained empty. Indeed, the Marseille supporters were not able to witness all of this: arriving in too many numbers at the assembly point, near Montpellier, they were forced to turn around, after opposing the police.

Also read
Montpellier-Marseille: Hooded individuals, iron bars, thrown projectiles… Why OM supporters had to turn around

The chalice to the dregs

After two matches without a victory, defeat in Strasbourg (1-0) and draw against Angers (1-1), Rabiot – who played the entire match – and his teammates obviously had no intention of lowering the foot. Montpellier, however, returned with better intentions to begin the second act. Rulli was even called upon by Savanier, with Adams unable to control. An inaccuracy, not the only one for the Nigerian in this part… The pressure was however from Marseille, with Lecomte (53rd) and… the post (55th) to prolong what remained of the suspense. Aphone during his last four outings in L1, Greenwood quickly drove home the point (0-4, 58th). And Dzodic cracked, author of a killer tackle on Harit. Red (64th)! The chalice to the dregs… Although, it wasn’t over, with Touré failing to clear Garcia’s cross and Luis Enrique for OM’s fifth goal (0-5, 73rd). From then on, the pace dropped.

In fact, the action took place more in the stands, with a few scuffles here and there, the intervention of security and the supporters of Butte Paillade, the Montpellier Ultras, who deserted the stand. Sad. Like the state of this Montpellier team last in the standings after this new slap (0-5 final score). The Olympians are smiling again. They are three lengths behind the two co-leaders, PSG and AS Monaco. And in fact, OM will challenge their best enemy Parisian next Sunday, during the ninth day. The Classic was already expected. It becomes even tastier. For the MHSC, the situation is serious. The reception in Toulouse, also next Sunday, becomes absolutely vital.