OM-Villarreal (2-1) : That felt good!
SUPPORTERS RETURN!
We missed hearing the chants, seeing the fans jumping and waving flags. The Olympien fans have lost none of their enthusiasm. They were nearly 30,000 to fill the Orange Velodrome to encourage the Olympiens. What a thrill it was to see the players enter during the traditional "Jump". The "Aux armes" of the 29974 spectators did not stop resounding to the greatest happiness of the Olympiens.
STARTING XI
For the match against Villarreal, the Argentinian coach chose to play a 3-5-2 formation, which can be modified when OM defend. Jorge Sampaoli kept three central defenders (Saliba, Balerdi and Luan Peres). In midfield, Gueye, Guendouzi and Rongier had the confidence of the coach while up front, Henrique, Under, Gerson and Payet composed the attack. Valentin Rongier played as a right-back in the defensive phases. The captain, Steve Mandanda, who was injured against Benfica, was present.
Before the match, all the summer recruits were presented to the applause of the stadium.
OM START STRONG
It only took nine minutes for the Orange Velodrome to explode. Following a free-kick by Payet, Asenjo was fooled by a deflection and the ball ended up in his own net. Like a volcano, the stadium went up in flames. OM produced some interesting momwnra and won the midfield battle with well integrated phases of play. After 20 minutes of high intensity, the rhythm dropped but the Olympians controlled their first half without really being in danger.
Dimitri Payet STARS
After the break, the Olympiens put the Spaniards under pressure and forced them to commit fouls. Foyth was booked for a second time in the first half, leaving his team with ten men. Suffocating, the Spanish had to deal with the relentless attacks of the Olympians. If Under's goal was disallowed for an offside position, Payet's was not. Dimitri Payet controlled the ball with his left foot before finishing with his right. Dieng and De la Fuente came on to set the Orange Vélodrome alight. The American's impressive speed left the Spaniards on the spot. The Olympien winger released the ball perfectly to the right for Under, who could not find the target.
Sampaoli's men conceded a goal from Moreno late on.
After a promising performance, the Olympiens sealed victory against the Europa League winner, Villarreal.
OM FINISH PRE-SEASON UNBEATEN
This match against Villarreal marked the end of the pre-season for the Olympiens. After seven games, Jorge Sampaooli's men finished undefeated in this preparation with a record of five wins and two draws. Now it's time for the championship and the Ligue 1 Uber Eats. OM will face Montpellier at 20:45 on Sunday 8 August in the closing game of the first day.
