The poster for this 3rd day of Ligue 1 pitted OGC Nice against Olympique de Marseille. While Marseille controlled the game, Nice struggled to establish their play. Marseille won 2-1.
Straight to the point for OM! Marseille returned to victory after a hesitant start to the season. For the Aiglons, disappointment was inevitable.
31′ – Goal for OM, volley by Benedetto.
66′ – Goal for Nice who equalized with a penalty converted by Cyprien.
73′ – Goal for OM with a penalty converted by Payet.
In the first half, André Villas-Boas’s players struggled at the beginning of the match, shaken by the Aiglons who were aggressive in the duels.
But Dario Benedetto scored the only goal of the first half with a volley that deceived Benitez (0-1, 31st minute).
After the break, the pace dropped and it was with two penalties that both teams found the back of the net.
First, the Aiglons through Wylan Cyprien (1-1, 66th minute), then the Marseillais thanks to Dimitri Payet (1-2, 73rd minute). The player from Reunion placed his shot perfectly to deceive Benitez.
Marseille in control
New recruit Dario Benedetto brought movement and dynamism to all Marseille’s attacking plays.
The Marseille defense remained solid despite the speed of Nice’s attackers. The Olympian defenders made multiple saves so that Mandanda didn’t have to intervene, except for a last-ditch save on the line.
Dimitri Payet was available and precise in Marseille’s play, combining speed and accuracy.
Nice makes multiple errors
The Aiglons managed to be dangerous in the Marseille penalty area by breaking through the opposing defense three times but failed to finish.
Several technical errors marred the gym’s build-up phases.
The Nice team can thank their goalkeeper, Benitez, for deflecting two clear chances on his line.
Nice fired long shots but did not trouble Mandanda.
For their next match, OGC Nice will travel to Rennes on Sunday, September 1st (kick-off at 3 p.m.).
