The Lensois burst was not enough on Saturday evening to beat Marseille. OM, well helped by their new recruit, Cédric Bakambu won on Bollaert’s lawn (2-0) settling for good on the podium.
Third at the end of the 22nd day of Ligue 1, Marseille became runner-up to Paris SG thanks to this reassuring victory.
And this one owes a little to Cédric Bakambu, scorer two minutes after coming on, allowing OM to make the break. Previously, the Marseillais had generally dominated the first period with a fiery Ünder like his two chances (9th, 25th) but not decisive.
It was not until half an hour into the game, when Medina jostled Guendouzi in the box when the Turk had just crossed for the Frenchman, to see the first goal. Farinez, replacing Jean-Louis Leca on Saturday, could not cope with the penalty from Dimitri Payet (1-0, 34th).
Successful entry for Bakambu
If Sotoca thought he could equalize for Lens a few minutes later, it was without counting on a well-legged Pau Lopez, proof that OM were definitely in place at all levels.
Dominated throughout the period, the Lensois seemed to come back from the locker room with a little more desire. The proof, they put their foot on the ball more and got clear chances, without success.
The turning point of the match came in the 75th minute when Jorge Sampaoli decided to launch his new player, Cédric Bakambu. Two minutes later, on a deep pass from Guendouzi, the Congolese international deceived Farinez and gave his teammates a two-goal advantage (2-0, 77th). The 30-year-old striker knows in any case how to treat his entries.
“I have the opportunity to be decisive, it’s great. It’s been a long time. We were serious. We have good possession of the ball, it is clear that afterwards for the striker it is easier to find the spaces, ”Bakambu confided to the microphone of Canal +.
Racing then pushed, but the damage was already done. OM therefore got away with the three points, leaving the Northerners 7th and with precious points lost in the European race.