Marseille – Sporting – OM notes: Sanchez warrior leader, Harit and Mbemba precious lieutenants

Paul Lopez: 5

Difficult to blame him for anything on the opener, since Trincao’s strike finds his opposite side netting. After that, the Spaniard didn’t have much work to do but he brought serenity to his box. And mine nothing, it is not given to everyone.

Jonathan Clauss: (Not rated)

The tricolor piston again started this European match by giving the impression of being somewhat overwhelmed by events. But he multiplied the races in his lane before delivering a love of center on the head of Harit. Before an early exit, on injury, shortly after half an hour of play.

• In short… Still decisive.

Replaced by Issa Kaboré (5), who still lacks tactical and technical rigor to really apply at this level. On the other hand, its volume of races is astounding.

Chancel Mbemba: 7

The former Porto player has made up for his exclusion in London. Caught up on a counter at the start of the match (7th), he then became unsinkable. Very strong in the duel (4 tackles attempted, 4 successful), good in anticipation, he completely muzzled Pedro Gonçalves when OM evolved into numerical superiority. The icing on the cake, the Congolese scored OM’s fourth goal with a nice hook and a lot of composure.

• In short… Marseille’s best defender… and a very good striker!

Eric Bailly: 5

Very convincing at Tottenham, back from injury, the Ivorian initially suffered a lot from the speed and movements of the Portuguese attackers, in particular Marcus Edwards. The early exit of the English made it easier for him. Often late in his interventions, he gradually raised his level and made himself valuable in aerial play. After the hour mark, he played the hubs.

• In short… Bailly was a bit tight to start this match, and it showed.

Replaced by Gigot (77th), volunteer after his entry.

Leonardo Balerdi: 5

He couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start, having been run off by Francisco Trincao and then letting the Portuguese winger do whatever he wanted to score. He then evolved on a thread, with risk taking and poorly supported passes. This time, and unlike the trip to London, Balerdi will have had the merit of not demobilising. Then offered the goal of comfort (3-1, 28th) with a beautiful header, ahead of the exit of the goalkeeper.

• In short… He saved his game.

Nuno Tavares: 4.5

Completely sucked into the action that brought the Sporting opener, the Portuguese remained true to himself with incessant activity in his lane. His dribbling attempts were not always successful (8 dribbles attempted, 3 successful) but they almost unpinned the Lisbon people. He lacked precision in the last gesture.

• In short… He can do much better.

Matteo Guendouzi: 6

Evening captain, the tricolor international has found a more natural position for him. Guendouzi kept compensating for the approximations and projections of his defenders. Constantly put under pressure, often in an illicit way, he replied with sobriety at the foot as well as in his temperament. Positioned higher in the second act, the former Gunner lacked offensive impact.

• In short… Always a safe bet.

Jordan Veretout: 4

The former Fio player also has his share of responsibility for the opener, since he must prevent Trincao from positioning himself on his left foot. He had the merit of helping his team to step up in terms of aggressiveness and intensity. But he still lacked accuracy and verticality in the pass.

Replaced by Valentin Rongier (62nd) who immediately found the right tone.

Cengiz Under: 4

The Turkey international has combined pretty well with Clauss in the side. But he gradually faded after the Frenchman’s exit. Not really confident, the former Roman too often forgot to look up.

• In short… Still not comfortable with this more axial position.

Logically replaced from the hour mark by Gueye (62nd), who was content to do the job in the middle.

Amine Harit: 7

The former Nantes player was established in support of Alexis Sanchez to bring creativity to a sector that is sorely lacking in it. He lit a first wick after a nice dribble (5th). The Moroccan international has more than compensated for his few minor technical failures with his success in the last gesture. An impeccable header to give OM the advantage (2-1, 16th), a set piece perfectly fired for Balerdi’s recovery.

• In short… He won his place.

Replaced by Gerson (77th), a little dilettante.

Alexis Sanchez: 6.5

He still had a very frustrating game for a striker. Rarely served despite calls in clusters, the Chilean was rewarded for his grinta with a winning counter – and not so miraculous. A gesture that completely changes the course of the match since it made the opposing goalkeeper dive. El Nino Maravilla continued his efforts until the end without ever giving up. Yet there was something. He ended up causing the 4th goal… but then missed the inevitable (83rd).

• In short… More than ever the leader and the soul of this team.