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Marseille and Nice played to a 1-1 draw in the Mediterranean derby, with Elye Wahi scoring a Panenka to equalize after Pierre-Emile Højbjerg's opener. The result is significant for Nice's fight for Ligue 1 safety.
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PLAYER RATINGS | Marseille 1-1 Nice: Elye Wahiâs Paneka sees points shared in Mediterranean derby
OGC Nice earned a big point in the race for Ligue 1 safety away to Marseille in the Mediterranean derby thanks to a superbly executed Panenka from former OM striker Elye Wahi which ruled out Pierre-Emile Højbjergâs earlier diving header.
THE MATCH
The tension mounted in Marseille last week following their loss to Lorient, which preceded frank words from sporting director Medhi Benatia and a week of training and sleeping at OMâs training ground before tonightâs Mediterranean derby clash against Nice. Les Aiglons, on the other hand, were buoyed after having succeeded in reaching the final of the Coupe de France in the week. Yet for Claude Puelâs men, safety was yet to be secured.
Marseille grabbed the first chance of the game, as some good work saw Weah break down the left side and hoist a looped cross at the back post which was met by Vermeeren, yet the Belgianâs header was saved by a diving Diouf. Eyebrows were raised when Habib Beye dropped Mason Greenwood to the bench and named a 5-4-1 with Leonardo Balerdi sitting low and acting like a sweeper. Claude Puelâs side were hoping to to hit OM on the counter-attack, but Beyeâs defensive set-up had countered it well. A fast combination between Vermeeren, Emerson, and Højbjerg saw the Dane in-behind one-on-one on Diouf, but his pull-back was played into nowhere as the VĂŠlodrome groaned in unison. That was much in the image of a first half which saw both sides defend doggedly, but with the attacking rhythm of the game leaving much to be desired.
The final score was 1-1, with both teams sharing the points.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg scored for Marseille, while Elye Wahi equalized for Nice with a Panenka.
The draw is crucial for Nice as they continue their fight for safety in Ligue 1.
Marseille faced pressure after a loss to Lorient, while Nice was boosted by reaching the Coupe de France final.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would head wide after play resumed from break from a looped ball in from Weah. OM once again combined really well between Højbjerg and Timber for Nnadiâs strike to be saved. Then Rulli would have to be quick on his line to meet a driving Mohamed Ali Cho one-on-one as the game began to open up as the second half wore on. But the Nice defence was unlocked by OM with a lovely looped cross by Tochukwu Nnadi and a diving header from captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (65â˛). But a huge error from Geronimo Rulli would see Nice have a chance to try and finish into an open net, which was squandered by Jonathan Clauss sliding in at the back post. Then the script would get flipped its head when the young subtitle Tadjine Mmadi was seen to have stamped on Jonathan Claussâs boot just inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE PLAYER RATINGS
Geronimo Rulli â 5
Leonardo Balerdi â 6
The Argentine was at the centre of Habib Beyeâs throw-back sweeper system put in place to face Nice, which was at first effective in stopping Les Aiglons from hitting Marseille on the counter-attack. The Argentine was then involved from set-pieces, heading over from two corners after escaping his marker, but should have shown the killer touch to put OM in front.
Benjamin Pavard â 5
Facundo Medina â 4
Emerson Palmieri â 5
Timothy Weah â 5
Whilst it was thought the American could start higher up in this new formation, Weah began in his usual wide spot and whipped in some dangerous crosses
Tochukwu Nnadi â 6
The Nigerianâs first Ligue 1 start in a Marseille shirt, and proved energetic on and off the ball in a rotating midfield box with Timber and Vermeeren. He then provided a lovely looped cross for Højbjergâs diving header for OMâs decisive first goal.
Quinten Timber â 5
The Dutchman played a more advanced role than usual, sitting ahead of Vermeeren and Nnadi but just behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and it proved for some interesting combinations on the edge of the box yet the Dutchman wasnât as decisive as he has been in recent weeks.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg â 5
Arthur Vermeeren â 4
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang â 3
OGC NICE PLAYER RATINGS
Yehvann Diouf â 6
The Frenchman saved well from Vermereenâs header in the first period and continued with some solid interventions during the second period and in the late stages of the game when OM were under pressure.
Melvin Bard â 5
Antoine Mendy â 5
Kojo Oppong â 5
Jonathan Clauss â 4
Hicham Boudaoui â 4
Morgan Sanson â 3
The former Marseille man came back to his former stomping ground along with Elye Wahi and Jonathan Clauss on an evening that proved little inspiration, losing possession several times and losing out in several duels. Was substituted first by Claude Puel in the
Salis Abdul Samed â 4
Elye Wahi â 6
The pressure was on the Frenchman who made his return to the club he represented (albeit briefly) last season under Roberto De Zerbi. Yet he was well marshalled by an attentive Leo Balerdi. Had a glorious chance right in front of Rulli after OM went in front. Yet, despite that, the Nice man would step up when it meant most with a Paneka penalty to silence the VĂŠlodrome and hand a vital point to his side.
Mohamed Ali-Cho â 4
GFFN | George Boxall â reporting from Stade VĂŠlodrome, Marseille