Alexis Sanchez (number 70), double scorer against Reims, congratulated by his teammates. Federico Pestellini
OM overthrew Reims this Sunday (1-2). Igor Tudor’s team once again showed character and can count on their excellent results away from the Vélodrome to consolidate their second place.
To dispose of the Stade de Reims (1-2), the attractive formation shaped by Will Still, the young Belgian coach, OM had to work hard. Undefeated since September 18, 2022, the Champenois have therefore seen their series stop at 19 games. To put an end to such a performance, a solid team was needed, sure of its strengths and refusing any result other than victory. Outside, the Marseillais correspond to this description and with 35 points gleaned (out of 42 possible), they have made their success in travel a habit.
With 11 wins, 2 draws and just one defeat (against PSG in October, 1-0) in Ligue 1, OM are traveling well. Best defense in the championship away with 10 goals conceded, Pau Lopez and his team probably hold the miracle recipe. Narrow, precious victories that demonstrate great strength of character. Igor Tudor’s players are not giving up and recent successes in Toulouse (2-3), Rennes (0-1) and Reims (1-2) attest to this.
Offensively, the presence of Alexis Sanchez is a real plus. The Chilean is turning into a leader and his double against Reims yesterday allowed OM to get out of a complicated situation. A splendid free kick and a resumption of the right following a clearance by his goalkeeper, once again demonstrate the extent of his technical palette. The Marseillais who have long sought, to the point of becoming almost laughable, their “grantatakan” have with the former Barcelonan the artificer who has often failed them in recent years.
With 16 goals in all competitions (12 in Ligue 1), his highest total since his 2016-2017 season at Arsenal, Sanchez carries the Marseille attack all by himself. Behind him in the ranking of Marseille scorers, we find Nuno Tavares (6 goals), Sead Kolasinac and Chancel Mbemba (4 goals each): three defenders! This curious contingent is worrying when you know that the Chilean is 34 years old and could be subject to injury at any time. The signing of Vitinha on January 31 for a record amount (30 million) is not an immediate success, the young 22-year-old Portuguese still having to adapt to his new environment.
The trip to Bollaert as a big test
The Olympians who still have to travel to Lorient, Lyon, Lens, Lille and Ajaccio could have hoped to more seriously tickle PSG, not imperial in 2023 in the league, in the title race. But the Marseille club is seven points behind the Parisians and seems to have missed its chance. With 10 days to go before the end of the championship, OM are a solid runner-up but must keep an eye on the grain.
Behind him, RC Lens and AS Monaco point respectively to 2 and 5 units and watch for the slightest misstep. By winning at Bollaert on May 7, the Phocaeans would score a double blow: they would sign a new success far from their land and a victory against the most serious of their competitor.