Ligue 1, 28th day – OM largely win against Brest (1-4) and pass 2nd ahead of Nice, Milik scorer

Rainy but happy evening for OM. After three unsuccessful matches in Ligue 1, the Phocaeans reacted nicely by going to win clearly in Brest, Sunday, at the end of the 28th day (1-4). Gerson (3rd), Arek Milk (63rd), Amine Harit (71st) and Cengiz Ünder (90th+2) scored the Olympian goals while Irvin Cardona saved the honor of Finisteriens (90th+1). Beaten in the first leg (1-2), Jorge Sampaoli’s men took their revenge. Above all, they took 2nd place in the standings ahead of Nice thanks to a greater number of goals scored. Brest is 13th.

Pressured by the victories of Strasbourg against Monaco (1-0) and Rennes in Lyon (2-4), the Marseillais found themselves fifth at kick-off. Despite the absence of their master to play Dimitri Payet, hit in the thigh, they entered the match foot to the floor. Starting on the right of the opposing area, Mattéo Guendouzi sent a cross which proved to be a suspicion too long for Milik who had nevertheless thrown himself at the far post (2nd).

The Pole very quickly returned to the charge in the center and made his power speak to serve Gerson who was able to deceive Marco Bizot with cold blood (0-1, 3rd). Already a scorer in the first leg lost by OM (1-2), the Brazilian signed his 5th achievement in L1 this season and confirmed his rise to power.

Milik in good shape, Harit too

If Brest raised their heads and put their foot on the ball in midfield, the visitors remained the most threatening and Milik alerted Bizot with a powerful axial free kick (13th). The Bretons wanted to be voluntary but clearly lacked offensive power and accuracy in the last gesture like Youcef Belaïli who sent his recovery rolled up in a good position above the target. The SB29 did not target any of its 3 shots in the first period (28th). Less enterprising but more precise, OM were able to count on the athletic and combative Pape Gueye who forced Bizot to intervene with a powerful axial strike (32nd).

Michel Der Zakarian’s men, who were celebrating his 300th on a Ligue 1 bench, still raised their voices on recovery. The discreet Martin Satriano was finally able to give work to Pau Lopez on a header from the penalty spot (47th). While a deluge fell on the Francis-Le Blé stadium and OM became passive, Jérémy Le Douaron tumbled alone to the left of the visitors’ area – and even bypassed the doorman – but ultimately did not able to conclude in a closed angle (57th). The Marseillais themselves proved to be much more effective. After another heavy strike from Gueye deflected for a corner, Milik placed his uncrossed header at the near post under the bar to double the lead (0-2, 63′).

Under propelled OM to 2nd place on the gong

Sampaoli, who celebrated his 62nd birthday this Sunday, was able to make three changes and in particular launch Cédric Bakambu (70th). However, it was two starters who once again made the difference. Harit scored easily from close following a heavy strike from Gerson repelled by Bizot (0-3, 72nd). Decisive passer on Milik’s goal, the Moroccan was able to give up his place to Under with a smile (82nd). Thanks to their direct game behind the somewhat naive Brestois, OM saw Bakambu hit the post with an uncrossed header from a cross from Luan Peres (89′). Cardona however reduced the score with a header at the near post following an eccentric free kick conceded by the Brazilian defender (1-3, 90th + 1).

The Phocaeans however immediately responded and, on a long axial clearance from Lopez, Under went around the opposing goalkeeper and sent the ball into the empty goal (1-4, 90th + 2). This last achievement is worth a lot because it allows OM to score a goal difference of +17. The same as Nice which also has 50 points on the clock, but with a worse attack (38 goals against 43 for OM). It may seem symbolic but OM will therefore be ahead of their Riviera rivals next Sunday when the clash of the 29th day takes place. Before that, he will first have to validate his ticket for the quarter-finals of the Europa League Conference against Basel on Thursday.

Gerson celebrates his goal during the Brest-OM meeting in Ligue 1

Credit: Getty Images

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