Ligue 1 (J33) : Olympique de Marseille wins at Le Havre

The Olympique de Marseille has not yet bid farewell to Europe! Mired in poor results (1 victory in the last 6 matches) and rather ridiculous off-field matters, the Marseillais treated themselves to a breath of fresh air in Normandy, facing an opponent they particularly succeed against (11th consecutive victory of OM against Le Havre in Ligue 1).

More enterprising in the opening of the match, Le Havre will create the first opportunity of the match. In an Olympian defense still uncertain, Ally Samatta sees his shot saved by Geronimo Rulli (7th). Then Sofiane Boufal narrowly missed punishing OM in the final move (8th). The Marseillais will nevertheless generally dominate the first half. But in a rather sterile manner… and with a great lack of inspiration! On a cleverly taken free kick by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Amine Gouiri unleashes a curling right-footed shot that grazes the opposite post (13th). Mason Greenwood is invisible, Igor Paixao a bit more noticeable, but still as untidy in the scoring zone. He is the one behind a too soft shot by Tochukwu Nnadi, easily caught by Mory Diaw (32nd). And that’s all for this sometimes choppy and unremarkable first half.

A story of penalties!

The second act will be more interesting to watch. Amine Gouiri, eventually offside, misses a big opportunity by shooting into the outer side-netting on a cross-shot from Nnadi (48th). Finally incisive, Mason Greenwood earns a free kick that he sends into the wall… and onto the arm of Lucas Gourna-Douath, causing a very severe penalty (53rd). The top Marseille scorer takes advantage to score his 16th goal of the season in Ligue 1, from the penalty spot and with the help of the post (0-1, 55th), ending a goal drought of 7 matches (since March 7 against Toulouse). Vexed by this stroke of luck, Le Havre will try to rebel. Samatta cannot hit the target on a cross from N’Diaye (66th), but it is especially Sofiane Boufal who could have completely turned the game around. Following a foul by Facundo Medina, the former Angevin earns a penalty, which he takes and sends onto the crossbar (71st).

Usually very shaky in the final quarter hour, the Olympian defense will remain solid until the end, despite some scares, like a shot off target from Simon Ebonog (98th). Just before, Igor Paixao thought he had sealed the deal after winning his one-on-one against Diaw, but he was in an offside position (97th).

By securing their 17th victory of the season, the Olympique de Marseille has given themselves the chance to salvage the situation in the final match against Stade Rennais, aiming to secure a spot in the Europa League. A victory would allow OM to snatch the fifth position on goal difference. For Le Havre, the evening is gloomy. With Auxerre’s victory over Nice (2-1), HAC now only has a one-point lead over the relegation playoff place, currently occupied by OGC Nice (16th). Le Havre finds themselves in danger before the final matchday on Lorient’s turf. They will have to endure until the end to secure survival.