At the end of a meeting poor in rhythm and technical mastery, Olympique de Marseille could not do better than a draw (1-1) against the red lantern of Ligue 1, Angers, Friday evening at the opening of the 7e day of Ligue 1.
Two expulsions and a magnificent free kick
The two teams quickly found themselves ten against ten, after the direct exclusion of Angevin defender Lilian Rao-Lisoa (26e) for a poorly controlled tackle on Ulises Garcia. Marseille striker Neal Maupay achieved the feat after receiving two warnings in three minutes flat (30e), to bring the two teams back to equal numbers.
Entering at half-time in place of Valentin Carboni, Jonathan Rowe thought he had done the hard part by opening the score for the locals with a cross strike (51e), but Farid El Melali equalized with a superb free kick hit on the left side at the near post, again three minutes later (54e).
Stoppage for Marseille
OM full-back Amir Murillo was denied a goal for double head-arm contact when deceiving Yahia Fofana (68e), the SCO goalkeeper, who overall spent a rather quiet evening.
Angers collects a point at the Vélodrome, synonymous with hope, before the international break. For Marseille, it is a real setback after the first setback of the season, conceded last Sunday in Strasbourg (1-0).
Paris and Monaco will therefore have the opportunity to escape to the top of the ranking, in the event of success this weekend, respectively in Nice and Rennes.
