OM conceded a draw against Strasbourg at the conclusion of the 18th day of Ligue 1 (1-1). Find the tops and flops of this meeting.
TOPS
Impressive Santos
Certainly, it was he who conceded the Marseille penalty in the second half, by committing a foul on Vaz. But despite this action, Andrey Santos shone on the Vélodrome pitch. Boss of the Racing midfield this season, the 20-year-old player has long extinguished his Marseille counterparts. As useful for recovery, as valuable in its transmissions and changes of pace. Author of a Nice assist for Emegha in the first period. Racing supporters have until the end of the season to benefit from the talent of the Brazilian, currently on loan from Chelsea and promised other adventures from next summer.
Strong talent at the position
In the shadow of his little brother Désiré, who is making his place at PSG, Guéla Doué is having a great season with Racing. Indisputable in the Alsatian eleven, the former Rennais delivered a great performance this Sunday. Solid, he was able to break several Marseille attacks, while providing offensive solutions to his teammates in his right lane. Author in the second half of a nice number, concluded by a shot repelled by Rulli (74th).
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Ligue 1: regrets for Marseille, held in check by Strasbourg
FLOPS
-The delay in switching on the OM
Marseille will therefore not have beaten Strasbourg this season. Defeated in Alsace last September (1-0), the Phocéens this time shared the points at the Vélodrome (1-1). And each time, the Olympians paid dearly for their poor first period. As at La Meinau, they showed absolutely nothing good until the break. Harmless despite possession of the ball to his advantage, the runner-up of PSG suffered against the pressure and counterattacks of a diligent Racing. Roberto De Zerbi had a lot of trouble containing himself in front of the bench and made a point during a break that was certainly agitated in the locker room. His coaching and his admonitions awakened a much sharper OM during the second act.
Balerdi on a bad night
Still as irregular in his performances, Leonardo Balerdi had a bad evening this Sunday. The Argentinian, surrounded by Cornelius and Brassier in a cobbled-together defense, quickly displayed enormous excitement. Like his clearance blocked at the entrance to the area (17th). The Marseille captain suffered throughout the match against the speed of Emegha, whom he completely let slip away on goal on Strasbourg’s opener (23rd). In all the bad moves behind, he also showed growing nervousness as the match progressed, and exaggerated annoyance with the refereeing. An evening to forget. One more.
Maupay misses
Forty-five minutes, and that’s it. Holder at the forefront of the Marseille attack, Neal Maupay did not exist. Rarely found (only fifteen balls hit), and easily muzzled by the big guys of the Strasbourg defense. Roberto De Zerbi did not appreciate the performance of the former Nice player and did not hesitate to replace him at the break. His substitute, the young Robinio Vaz, caused the penalty converted by Greenwood and was able to provide much more mobility in the second half.
Belgium
