Lorient 0-0 Marseille: Igor Tudor’s l’OM lose ground on PSG in Ligue 1 title race with drab draw

Lorient and Marseille played out a drab 0-0 draw at the Stade Moustoir.

The hosts had the first chance of the match when Leonardi Balerdi sliced at a clearance to set Romain Faivre racing through on goal, but Samuel Gigot got back brilliantly for Marseille and did just enough to put Faivre off when taking his shot.

Marseille’s best chance of the half came after 12 minutes, Alexis Sanchez found space outside the area before feeding Cengiz Under who could only fire a vicious effort straight at Vito Mannone.

The game really struggled to get going with both sides lacking any real intensity or edge. In the second half it was much of the same, with Marseille in particular playing safe passes and struggling to get into attacking areas.

Lorient had a huge chance to take the lead in the 63rd minute when Sead Kolasinac failed to clear and Ahmadou Bamba Dieng was able to fizz an effort on goal which Lopez did brilliantly to tip around the post and out for a corner.

Valentin Rongier did excellently to manoeuvre his way into the penalty area before finding Nuno Tavares who could only fire his effort from a tight angle straight at Mannone.

TALKING POINT – OM LACKING INTENSITY

For Igor Tudor and his men, it’s another draw to add to the ever-growing collection. It’s their third in four matches and all three have been against teams below them in Ligue 1. Considering Marseille still have so much to play for, the lethargic nature of their recent performances is both confusing and alarming. A win would have put them level on points with Lens in second, their rivals for a UEFA Champions League group stage place. As things stand they sit in third on 61 points, with Monaco breathing down their necks in fourth on 58 points. OM will have to start showing more intent in attacking areas in the remaining eight games or risk slipping down the table and out of the UCL spots.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – BAMO MEITE

The 21-year-old defender was terrific for his side. His energy and intensity when defending meant Marseille had no chance, time and time again he was in the right place at the right time, alert to the danger and making vital clearances. He blocked three shots, made two tackles, two interceptions and six clearances. At just 21 and in his real breakthrough season, he already looks very comfortable at this level and has the tools to go on to become a top defender.

PLAYER RATINGS

Lorient: Mannone 7, Meite 9, Talbi 8, Le Goff 7, Cathline 7, Ponceau 7, Makengo 7, Yongwa 7, Faivre 6, Aouchiche 6, Bamba Dieng 6 Subs: Diarra 6, Kone 7

Marseille: Lopez 8, Kolasinac 7, Gigot 7, Balerdi 6, Clauss 6, Rongier 7, Veretout 7, Tavares 6, Guendouzi 6, Under 6, Sanchez 7 Subs: Malinovskyi 6, Mbemba 6, Bailly N/A, Vitinha N/A

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

12′ BIG SAVE FROM MANNONE! – Alexis Sanchez does brilliantly to find space before feeding Under who rifles a vicious effort but it’s straight at Mannone. A really good Marseille move and a good save from the Lorient ‘keeper.

63′ A BIG CHANCE FOR LORIENT! – Kolasinac fails to clear the ball and Bamba Dieng fires a vicious effort which Pau Lopez pushes behind for a corner. That’s the best chance of the half so far.

80′ ANOTHER SAVE FROM MANNONE! – Rongier does brilliantly to get into the box, he picks out Tavares who fires his effort at Mannone.

KEY STAT

Marseille suffered their first 0-0 draw of the season and their first Ligue 1 0-0 since November 2021.