Defeated by a well-organized Montpellier team, LOSC was held in check by a valiant red lantern (2-2)this Sunday at the Mosson stadium. On an impressive series of thirteen matches without defeat, the Mastiffs, however, missed the opportunity to settle on the podium.
LOSC disturbed by the Montpellier low block
A week after the celebration of the club's 80th anniversary against Rennes, four days after a nice blow in Bologna, LOSC wanted to extend the celebration far from its bases. In Montpellier, an affordable red lantern on paper, the Mastiffs had to be vigilant so as not to repeat the misfortune of Saint-Étienne (0-1). In vain. Immediately undermined by the good defensive organization of Montpellier and a certain lack of inspiration with the ball, the Lille team struggled to create real situations (4′, 7′, 24′).
Before the match gets carried away at the half-hour mark and LOSC steps on the accelerator. First with new, not very dangerous attempts (35′, 37′, 39′), until Matias Fernandez-Pardo very intelligently obtained a penalty converted by the inevitable Jonathan David (0-1, 42′). Cornered by its accounting situation, the MHSC did not give up. After a great opportunity just before the opening score (41′), the Hérault club was quick to respond. More powerful and determined than everyone, Issiaga Sylla headed Téji Savanier's perfect corner to equalize (1-1, 45+2′).
David as savior, equalization and general brawl
Bruno Genesio and Benjamin André, among others, were already dissatisfied with the Lille face during the first period. “ We lacked concentration in the last minutes », lamented Alexsandro at half-time on the microphone of the broadcaster DAZN. A return of concentration from the start of the second act. After a long VAR check, Rémy Cabella caused another penalty. Insatiable in the exercise, Jonathan “Iceman” David did not tremble and masterfully transformed the try (1-2, 54′).
But as in the first half, Montpellier, already animated by the energy of despair in its fight to maintain itself, moved forward again and had no inferiority complex. Nikola Maksimovic tried in vain (64′), Lucas Chevalier intervened well in depth (66′) and was then saved by his bar after having managed his face-to-face very well against Moussa Al-Tamari (72 ′). Disgusted, the MHSC was no longer able to be dangerous in the end of the match rather in the hands of LOSC. Until Arnaud Nordin's strike in added time, in a contentious situation but a goal ultimately awarded (2-2, 90+3').
The Mastiffs looked to bring back the three points, Gabriel Gudmundsson (90+7′) and Hakon Haraldsson (90+11′) trying without success, while Tanguy Coulibaly shot Bruno Genesio at point blank range and caused a general brawl. The Montpellier player, like Jean-Louis Gasset a few minutes earlier (86′), and Mitchel Bakker, the main Lille actor in the general brawl, were expelled. On cloud nine since the fall, Bruno Genesio and his men experienced a first setback and missed the opportunity to climb on the box before the highly anticipated Marseille – Monaco this Sunday evening. In its misfortune, LOSC extended its invincibility over 13 matches and more than 3 months. A meager consolation prize.
Enzo PAILOT
The match film:
2′ Montpellier is offensive to start. Khazri tries his luck but screws up.
4′ Mukau gets back on his left foot to strike, but his attempt flies away.
7′ Bakker crosses back for Cabella, who does not fit.
15′ Found on the edge of the area, Al-Tamari turns around and tries his luck. Chevalier lays down well to deflect for a corner.
24′ Fernandez-Pardo counters a strike and goes on a counter-attack on his own, using his supersonic speed to appear alone in the area. But the Belgian suffered the authoritarian but legal return of Al-Tamari.
35′ Mandi takes Fernandez-Pardo's cross at the near post without worrying Lecompte. LOSC is struggling to create real chances.
37′ Upon receiving a second ball from a corner, Bakker completely unscrews his powerful half-volley. Just like Cabella's long shot moments later.
39′ Found at the corner of the area, Bakker's countered and vicious shot is well repelled by a vigilant Lecomte.
41′ With a magnificent gesture, Savanier sends a clear and perfectly tense volley. Despite the tight angle, Chevalier is forced to work to divert for a corner.
42′ After a defensive corner, LOSC projects numbers and takes advantage of Montpellier's poor coverage. Found in the area, Fernandez-Pardo loses his control but plays well only to be hit by an overly aggressive Ferri who concedes a penalty, transformed by the imperturbable David. (0-1)
45+2′ On a corner perfectly kicked by Savanier at the penalty spot, Sylla gets the better of Diakité and places a powerful header which leaves Chevalier on the spot.
54′ After a nice breaking pass from Alexsandro, Bakker throws Cabella well into the area. The Lille player is slightly cut down in the area by Chotard. After a long video check by Mr. Millot, a penalty is awarded and David takes it without trembling and with impressive precision, once again. (1-2)
64′ Receiving a free kick from Savanier, Maksimovic unscrews his half-volley.
66′ On a very dangerous deep ball, Chevalier comes out well in front of Ndiaye.
72′ Served by a very good ball from Savanier, Al-Tamari presents himself alone against Chevalier, who remains on his feet and forces the Jordanian to put his shot on the bar.
90+3′ After a mix-up in the area, Nordin involuntarily touches the ball with his upper arm, finds himself facing Chevalier and mystifies the Lille goalkeeper. After checking the VAR, the goal is awarded. (2-2)
90+7′ Gudmundsson’s shot is repelled by Lecomte. A few moments later, Coulibaly deliberately shoots Genesio, causes a general scuffle and is logically excluded with Bakker, very aggressive in the fight.
90+11′ Haraldsson sees his shot narrowly escape the target.
MONTPELLIER – LOSC: 2-2 (1-1)
13th day of Ligue 1
Mosson Stadium, Montpellier
Referee: Mr. Millot
Goals: Sylla (45+2′), Nordin (90+3′) for Montpellier; David (42′, 54′) for Lille
Expulsion: Gasset (86′, not in play), Coulibaly (90+10′) for Montpellier; Bakker (90+10′, not in play) for Lille
Avertissements : Maksimovic (9′), Tchato (35′), Savanier (52′), Sagnan (83′) for Montpellier ; Mukau (26′), Alexsandro (47′), Cabella (52′), Fernandez-Pardo (90′), Haraldsson (90+13′) for Lille
MONTPELLIER (4-2-3-1) : Lecomte – Tchato, Omeragic, Maksimovic, Sylla – Ferri, Chotard – Al-Tamari, Savanier (c.), Nordin – Khazri
Substitutes (to choose from): Bertaud (l.), Sagnan, Sacko, Sainte-Luce, Barès, Nzingoula, Coulibaly, Guégin, Ndiaye
Coach: Jean-Louis Gasset
LOSC (4-2-3-1) : Chevalier – Mandi, Diakité, Alexsandro, Bakker (Gudmundsson, 77′) – André (c.), Bouaddi – Fernandez-Pardo (Meunier, 90′), Mukau (Haraldsson, 68′ ), Cabella (Sahraoui, 68′) – David (Bayo, 90′)
Substitutes: Mannone (g.), Gudmundsson, Mandi, Touré, Ismaily, André Gomes, Bouaddi, Mukau, David
Coach: Bruno Genesio
Photo credits: Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport
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