OM smiles again by winning in Lens

An important victory in the race for the podium. And a nice bounce. Olympique de Marseille won this Saturday afternoon on the pitch of RC Lens (1-3), during the 12^e day of Ligue 1, at the end of a very intense and committed match. However, it was the Sang et Or who came into the match the best. By exerting pressure as high as it was intense, Will Still's men – who showed a lot of desire and determination in the duels – gained the upper hand over their opponents and managed to create several clear chances. Unfortunately for them, neither Deiver Machado (3^e), ni David Pereira Da Costa (42^e), and M'Bala Nzola (42^e) were unable to deceive the vigilance of Geronimo Rulli. The Phocaeans, a little amorphous in their commitment, were nevertheless able to take advantage of some Artesian defensive generosity to prove themselves dangerous, notably with Neal Maupay (40^e) who completely missed his shot, alone against Brice Samba. Both teams returned to the locker room with a goalless score.

From 2-2 to 1-3 in seconds

Roberto De Zerbi's players returned from the break with much better intentions. A change of mindset that has (directly) borne fruit. At the 49^e minute of play, after a long ball from Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay achieved magnificent chest control in order to then be able to serve Valentin Rongier, launched into the penalty area. The Olympian midfielder, known for his inefficiency in front of goal, did not tremble and deceived the vigilance of Brice Samba with a right-footed cross shot. The Marseillais were not satisfied with this opening score since just before the half hour mark, on a lightning counter-attack, Mason Greenwood again found Neal Maupay in pivot who shifted (this time) Luis Henrique on his RIGHT. The Brazilian, in good form at the start of the season, (also) crossed his shot to score the goal of the break (57^e).

The Artésiens were stunned by these two goals in less than ten minutes. But with the changes, they managed to get back into the game. And at the 80^e minute of play, following a quick transition and two missed attempts from Deiver Machado in the penalty area, Angelo Fulgini reduced the score, thus giving hope to the entire stadium. A few minutes later, on a new counter-attack, the Sang et Or thought they would equalize thanks to Remy Labeau Lascary but the referee of the match finally canceled the goal after viewing the images for a foul at the start of the action . And on the free kick obtained near the Lens penalty area, Olympique de Marseille took cover (again) with a powerful strike from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (89^e). With this success, Roberto De Zerbi and his men consolidate their third place and come back to three points behind AS Monaco. RC Lens, for its part, remains eighth and misses a great opportunity to get closer to the podium.