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  • OM : les notes du match

    OM : les notes du match

    Bousculé par les tensions entre la direction et les groupes d’ultras, l’Olympique de Marseille, invaincu en 5 journées de Ligue 1, faisait néanmoins son entrée en lice dans cette édition 2023-2024 de la Ligue Europa face à l’Ajax Amsterdam, également dans la tourmente et auteur de son pire début de saison en championnat depuis des décennies. Pour ce faire, l’entraîneur intérimaire Pancho Abardonado, sur le banc phocéen après le départ de Marcelino et son staff, décidait d’aligner Azzedine Ounahi, grandement demandé par les supporters, dans le coeur du jeu dans un 4-3-3 guidé par un trio offensif Harit-Aubameyang-Ndiaye. Pourtant, le début de la rencontre était à mettre au crédit des Ajacides, mettant le pied sur le ballon avant de concrétiser son ascendant à la suite d’une bourde de Chancel Mbemba.

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    Ratant sa tête défensive dans sa moitié de terrain, le défenseur congolais laissait Carlos Borges s’emmener le ballon et crucifier Pau Lopez (1-0, 9e). Les Olympiens voyaient un peu le jour à la suite de l’ouverture du score adverse, avec notamment l’occasion ratée d’Aubameyang en face à face avec Jay Gorter (18e). De quoi laisser les Lanciers inscrire le but du break signé Steven Berghuis, seul à la reprise d’un corner mal dégagé (2-0, 20e). Quelques minutes plus tard, la réduction de l’écart venait enfin du pied de Jonathan Clauss, servi par Harit avant de transpercer la défense adverse et s’offrir sa première réalisation en Coupe d’Europe (2-1, 23e). Un but qui redonnait de la confiance aux offensifs marseillais, en témoignait la barre transversale trouvée par Iliman Ndiaye sur une nouvelle ouverture de son compère marocain Harit (29e).

    À lire
    Ligue Europa, OM : la réaction à chaud de Jacques Abardonado

    L’OM surpris puis relancé

    L’OM n’hésitait pas à profiter des espaces laissés et des premières relances ratées par la défense ajacide pour se projeter offensivement. D’abord imprécis de la tête sur un nouveau centre de Clauss (37e), PEA trouvait enfin le chemin des filets d’une belle frappe à ras de terre (38e) pour remettre les compteurs à zéro. Les Phocéens pouvaient même rentrer au vestiaire avec l’avantage au score mais Ounahi ne plaçait pas vraiment sa reprise de l’intérieur du pied dans la surface (45+2e). Au retour des couloirs de l’antre amstellodamois, les hommes en bleu tentaient de se reposer sur leur dernier quart d’heure intéressant dans le jeu, mais les lacunes défensives ressurgissaient et laissaient Kenneth Taylor reprendre le centre de Borges pour tromper Pau Lopez, qui ne pouvait que toucher le ballon du pied (3-2, 52e).

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    L’avantage repris par les poulains de Maurice Steijn leur redonnait de l’allant pour faire reculer les visiteurs dans leurs 30 derniers mètres, et ainsi retrouver sa domination du premier acte. Mais il suffisait d’un mouvement collectif achevé sur une frappe de Harit mise en échec pour redonner de la confiance aux siens (68e). Titularisé pour la première fois depuis un mois, Azzedine Ounahi se montrait volontaire et multipliait les frappes, sans grande réussite (5 tirs, 3 cadrés). Le buteur Taylor, trouvé dans le dos de la défense, était rejoint par Samuel Gigot, présent pour dégager le ballon en deux temps (75e). PEA s’offrait finalement un doublé, trompant Gorter d’une frappe puissante pour le but égalisateur (3-3, 78e). L’Ajax terminait même le match à 10 contre 11 après le deuxième avertissement écopé par Silvano Vos (90+1e), mais l’OM ne profitait pas de cette supériorité numérique malgré quelques occasions. En plein marasme, l’OM prend un bon match nul à Amsterdam avant de recevoir le PSG ce dimanche soir.

    L’homme du match : Forbs (8) : fidèle à sa réputation, le jeune attaquant portugais a fait parler sa pointe de vitesse pour mettre les siens sur les bons rails. Profitant d’une déviation hasardeuse de Mbemba, le joueur de 19 ans a bien lu le coup pour s’offrir un face-à-face avec Lopez et ajuster tranquillement le portier marseillais (1-0, 9e). De bout en bout, l’ex-prodige de Manchester City a fait beaucoup de différences sur son côté droit. En seconde période, le Portugais a maintenu la même cadence et est à l’origine du troisième but des Hollandais. À l’issue d’un bon débordement côté droit, il distille un centre parfait en direction de Taylor qui n’a plus qu’à reprendre victorieusement le ballon (3-2, 52e). Un match complet et culotté pour le feu follet de l’Ajax. Remplacé par Avila (90e+3).

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    Ajax :

    – Gorter (4,5) : titularisé dans le but en l’absence de Rulli, blessé, le portier hollandais s’est distingué sur la première occasion franche de l’OM en réalisant un arrêt décisif devant Aubameyang (19e). Malheureusement pour lui, il n’a fait que repousser l’échéance puisqu’il est battu par Clauss quelques minutes plus tard (2-1, 23e). Sauvé par sa barre transversale, il répond présent sur la reprise d’Ounahi (29e). S’il juge mal la trajectoire du ballon sur l’égalisation d’Aubameyang (30e), Gorter a réalisé par la suite plusieurs arrêts importants (45e+2, 68e) avant de concéder un troisième but à dix minutes de la fin (79e).

    – Gaaei (3,5) : peu à l’aise dès le début de la rencontre, le Danois a affiché beaucoup de fébrilité dans la relance. Dominé dans l’intensité et en souffrance face à la belle activité d’Harit sur le côté droit en première période, le numéro 3 s’est contenté de défendre et n’a pas existé offensivement. Son marquage laisse à désirer, notamment sur la frappe de Ndiaye sur la barre (29e). Pas forcément plus séduisant au retour des vestiaires, il est passé à côté de sa rencontre.

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    – Sutalo (4) : positionné dans l’axe de la défense, le Croate est passé à côté de sa première mi-temps. Dans le dur, le défenseur de l’Ajax a constamment été pris dans son dos par des attaquants marseillais vifs. Il n’est pas exempt de tout reproche sur le premier but d’Aubameyang en laissant trop d’espace à Harit qui a tout le loisir de servir le Gabonais (30e). Dominé dans les airs, le numéro 37 de l’Ajax a toutefois était bon dans la relance (93% de passes réussies). Au retour des vestiaires, le joueur formé au Dinamo Zagreb a élevé son niveau de jeu dans la mesure où les Phocéens ont éprouvé des difficultés à approcher le but de Gorter avant de prendre l’eau sur l’égalisation marseillaise en seconde période (79e).

    – Hato (4,5) : à l’image de son partenaire en défense centrale, le Néerlandais a éprouvé de grandes difficultés à contenir les projections adverses. Cependant, il s’est montré précis dans ses transmissions (95% de passes réussies), et ce, malgré le pressing haut imposé par les Marseillais. En seconde période, il a su annihiler quelques offensives adverses même s’il a beaucoup subi. Coupable d’une perte de balle au début de l’action qui aurait pu porter préjudice à ses partenaires, il se rattrape en effectuant un retour déterminant sur Vitinha pour l’empêcher de frapper au but (90e+4).

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    – Sosa (5) : au cœur d’une polémique depuis son transfert à Amsterdam, le latéral gauche de l’Ajax a livré une prestation mitigée. Confronté à Ndiaye sur son couloir, le Croate a été bousculé par la qualité de percussion et la vitesse du Sénégalais. Et pour cause, il a perdu l’ensemble de ses duels. Sur la réduction du score marseillaise, l’ancien joueur de Stuttgart est beaucoup trop passif devant Clauss qui s’infiltre aisément dans la surface néerlandaise avant de crucifier Gorter (23e). Malgré tout, le joueur de 25 ans a montré toute l’étendue de son talent sur corner en trouvant Berghuis à l’entrée de la surface pour le second but de l’Ajax (20e).

    – Tahirovic (3) : plus discret que ses deux partenaires dans l’entrejeu, le numéro 33 de l’Ajax s’est montré beaucoup moins efficace dans la récupération. Fébrile dans la relance, le Bosnien a souvent fait les mauvais choix, à l’image de sa passe mal négociée qui aurait pu profiter aux Marseillais (29e). Remplacé à la mi-temps par Vos (2). Pour sa première apparition en Ligue Europa, le jeune joueur de 18 ans a fait encore moins bien que son prédécesseur. Agressif dans les duels, il est averti très tôt en seconde période (55e) avant d’écoper d’un deuxième avertissement en fin de partie, synonyme d’expulsion (90e).

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    – Berghuis (6,5) : le milieu de terrain expérimenté a tenu son rang. Costaud dans les duels et malgré quelques imprécisions dans ses transmissions, le Hollandais s’est globalement distingué par sa capacité à servir dans de bonnes conditions ses ailiers en première période. Il est aussi à l’origine du second but de l’Ajax. Sur un corner venant de la gauche, Berghuis se retrouve esseulé à l’entrée de la surface et place une demi-volée parfaite qui transperce Lopez (2-0, 20e). Moins influent dans la construction du jeu en seconde période, il est remplacé par Van den Boomen (84e).

    – Taylor (6) : offensivement, il a su profiter des largesses défensives marseillaises pour se procurer quelques actions chaudes au cours du premier acte (20e, 25e). Toutefois, le jeune Néerlandais s’est souvent retrouvé en difficulté sur les contres adverses. Au retour des vestiaires, le Batave permet aux siens de reprendre l’avantage. Arrivé lancé dans la surface phocéenne, il reprend du pied droit et glisse le ballon entre les jambes de Lopez (3-2, 52e).

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    – Forbs (8) : voir ci-dessus.

    – Bergwijn (5,5) : auteur d’un bon début de saison malgré les difficultés rencontrées par sa formation, le capitaine néerlandais a eu une bonne activité dans son couloir sans pour autant se mettre en évidence. Régulièrement entouré par trois Marseillais sur la gauche, l’ancien joueur de Tottenham a tenté de faire la différence en alertant Lopez de loin (18e, 44e), sans succès. En seconde période, il se procure une grosse occasion à l’issue d’un contre éclair mené par Brobbey, mais il manque de lucidité devant Lopez (67e). Son abattage défensif reste à souligner. Remplacé par Medic (90e+3).

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    – Brobbey (5,5) : fer de lance de l’attaque néerlandaise, le Batave n’a pas brillé offensivement, se procurant peu d’occasions en première période. Néanmoins, le buteur de l’Ajax a été impliqué dans la construction du jeu, n’hésitant pas à décrocher pour proposer des solutions à ses coéquipiers. Au retour des vestiaires, il a su exploiter les espaces laissés par ses adversaires pour exploiter sa vitesse en prenant davantage la profondeur. Sur un contre mené à vive allure, il est tout proche d’offrir le but du KO à Bergwijn (67e). Remplacé par Akpom (83e).

    OM :

    – Lopez (5) : un match à l’image de son niveau du moment. Irrégulier. Il ne quitte quasiment pas sa ligne dans son duel perdu avec Forbs (9e) mais maintient les siens en vie, un temps, sur cette grosse frappe de Taylor (19e). Il ne peut rien faire en revanche sur le but de Berghuis où sa défense est prise à revers (20e). Il est encore laissé au dépourvu sur le troisième but hollandais mais le ballon entre ses jambes ne le rend pas irréprochable. Il préserve aussi les chances de son équipe en sortant la tentative de Berghuis (66e). Un jeu au pied inégal.

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    – Clauss (6,5) : un coup-franc complètement gâché (15e) mais c’est bien lui qui relance son équipe en marquant un joli but après un numéro de soliste (23e). Il n’a jamais hésité à prendre son couloir pour apporter le nombre. Ses combinaisons avec Harit ont souvent fait avancer le jeu de l’OM ou même lors de cet excellent ballon pour Rongier (68e). Défensivement, il a assuré puisqu’il a assez rarement été inquiété, même s’il a eu plus de mal à finir car cuit physiquement.

    – Mbemba (2,5) : une entame terrible puisque son erreur de lecture de balle offre l’ouverture du score précoce de l’Ajax (9e). Il se rattrape bien en repoussant ce centre dangereux (13e) et en assurant le coup sur quelques ballons aériens. Néanmoins, la présence de Brobbey l’a parfois gêné et sa fragilité du soir l’a de nouveau rattrapé sur ces mauvais contrôles (48e, 66e), sans conséquence cette fois. Il est aux abonnés absents sur le troisième but de l’Ajax.

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    – Gigot (5) : il commet une énorme faute de marquage sur le corner où Berghuis double la mise (20e). Un jeu long intéressant qui aurait pu être mieux exploité par ses coéquipiers, notamment Aubameyang (28e). Il s’interpose sur ce tir puissant de Berguis (44e) mais se trompe encore au marquage sur le troisième but amstellodamois (52e). Costaud dans les duels, il aura tout de même été le maillon fort de la défense marseillaise ce soir comme sur ce retour dans les pieds de Brobbey (63e).

    – Lodi (3) : l’ancien de l’Atlético a connu une soirée très difficile. Mis dans le dur par Forbs dès les premières minutes, le Brésilien n’a jamais réussi à rectifier le tir face au jeune Portugais. Il doit notamment resserrer la distance de marquage sur le troisième but alors qu’il est pris de vitesse (52e). Dommage pour lui car il a eu quelques montées intéressantes mais toujours bien exploitées. Remplacé par Balerdi (79e) qui a évolué au poste de latéral gauche. Il a eu le temps de commettre une grosse faute évitable.

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    – Rongier (4,5) : le capitaine du soir a un peu déçu, même s’il termine mieux. Pris au dépourvu, comme l’ensemble de son équipe dès les premières minutes, le milieu de terrain a eu dû mal se reconcentrer. Il a connu un peu trop de déchet technique à l’image de ce ballon envoyé directement en touche alors qu’il n’y avait pas danger, ou même offensivement où il est apparu trop souvent sans solution. Il a également semblé un peu léger face à ses adversaires.

    – Kondogbia (5,5) : un match difficile à évaluer même si on l’a senti de mieux en mieux au fil du match. Il a eu du mal au début à casser la dynamique adverse et s’est fait trouer sur certaines transmissions. Tout de même, il est parvenu au fil de la soirée à stabiliser son équipe en récupérant quelques ballons. Plutôt à l’aise balle au pied, il a offert un peu de progression dans le jeu de l’OM, sans être déterminant non plus. Remplacé par Vitinha (64e), lequel n’a pas eu grand chose à se mettre sous la dent si ce n’est ce dernier raid solitaire.

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    – Ounahi (4) : de retour dans le onze avec la venue d’Abardonado sur le banc, le Marocain évoluait dans un rôle assez offensif dans l’entrejeu. Son début de rencontre offre de belles promesses entre des percussions (6e) et des lancements de jeu intéressants. Malheureusement ça n’a pas duré. Il est certes à l’origine des deux buts de l’égalisation signés Aubameyang (38e, 78e) mais il a manqué trop de choses. L’ex-Angevin n’a pas toujours fait les bons choix comme sur cette frappe dans l’axe (34e), il doit mieux faire deux fois seul face au but (29e, 45e+3) ou encore sur ce contre avec cette passe dans le dos de Clauss (48e) et celle directement en touche.

    – Ndiaye (4) : encore un match moyen pour l’ancien joueur de Sheffield United. Trop discret, il souffre de la comparaison avec ses autres partenaires offensifs. Il doit notamment bien mieux faire sur cette passe d’Harit qu’il contrôle mal malgré son tir sur la barre à la fin de l’action (29e). Un très bon retour dans sa surface dans les pieds de Forbs (47e). Remplacé par Veretout (64e) qui n’a pas réussi à élever le jeu de son équipe même si c’est lui qui décale Aubameyang sur le troisième but.

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    – Aubameyang (6,5) : son début de match est très difficile tant il a gâché les munitions. Il en a pourtant eu à la pelle entre ce duel complètement raté face à Gorter (19e) et cette reprise de la tête hors cadre (37e). En plus de cela, il rate ses contrôles sur deux situations de contre intéressantes (28e, 35e) mais il trouve enfin le chemin du but d’un joli tir taclé (38e). Il a de nouveau des opportunités qu’il ne parvient pas toujours à convertir (60e, 74e) mais égalise à nouveau (78e) avant de sortir, remplacé par Correa (79e).

    – Harit (7,5) : lui aussi profitait du départ de Marcelino pour revenir dans l’équipe de départ. Un choix plutôt judicieux d’Abardonado puisque l’ancien Nantais aurait été le principal animateur du jeu marseillais. Il est à l’origine du but de Clauss (23e) puis de l’opportunité de Ndiaye (29e) ou encore de ces centres à destination d’Aubameyang (31e, 37e). Il est à nouveau récompensé en étant à la passe pour l’égalisation du Gabonais (38e). Il est encore très présent dans le jeu marseillais en seconde période, comme sur ce ballon pour Aubameyang (74e) et ses nombreuses combinaisons avec Clauss. Remplacé par Mughe (79e).

    Pub. le
    MAJ le

  • the notes of the match

    the notes of the match

    It was THE big poster for these quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. After easily beating Senegal in the previous round (3-0), the Three Lions faced a much tougher opponent: the French team, champions of the title world. On paper, the match announced very strong with the presence of the trio Saka, Kane and Foden on the English side, against the French offensive armada, composed of Griezmann, Mbappé, Dembélé and Giroud.

    But beyond a prestigious match, it was above all a World Cup semi-final that awaited the winner of this highly anticipated duel. But it was the French who were the most enterprising at the start of the game. With their foot on the ball, the Blues quietly waited to advance and on a very nice long shot from Tchouameni, France opened the scoring (1-0, 18th). Kane then tried to wake up England, but Lloris was decisive, twice (22nd and 29th).

    The Blues have character

    The French returned to the locker room with the advantage, but the second period promised to be complicated. And this was the case, because the start of the period was catastrophic. The Blues were still saved by Lloris (47th), but then conceded a penalty after a foul on Saka. An opportunity transformed by Kane, the most dangerous (1-1, 54). The French defense was then in difficulty against Foden and Saka, untenable. And when it was not them, Maguire was dangerous from the head (70th).

    But this France team has resources. While the Three Lions were in clear domination, the Blues managed to reverse the score thanks to a new center from Griezmann deposited on Giroud, at the best of times (2-1, 78th). The Blues then thought they had done the hard part… but after contact between Hernandez and Mount, a new penalty was offered to Kane. But the Spurs striker sent his attempt far above the bar of Lloris (84th)! Undoubtedly the fate of a team that did the hardest and qualified for the semi-final against Morocco. The Blues are only two games away from retaining their title of World Champion.

    Man of the match: Griezmann (7.5)

    Surely one of the best French in the first period, the number 7 of the Blues was in the oven and in the mill. Very good defensively with many life-saving returns at the start of the game (4th), it was also he who made the decisive pass for Tchouameni (17th). He was the metronome of the France team thanks to his incessant activity around the two penalty areas. A boss-size match for the 31-year-old. In the second period, he was less visible but oh so important on the rare French offensives as on the new offering he delivered for Giroud on the second French goal (78th). Note that he received a yellow card at the end of the first period (43rd).

    England

    • Pickford (4.5): Olivier Giroud allowed him to warm up his gloves (11th), but Aurélien Tchouaméni’s powerful strike left him no chance (17th). After a first period that was ultimately rather calm, he relaxed well on a strike from Adrien Rabiot (55th). Author of an extraordinary parade in front of Olivier Giroud (77th), he bowed to this same number 9 on the following action (78th).

    • Walker (5): he was certainly the most anticipated English player in view of his announced duel with Kylian Mbappé. And it is clear that his first period was level. Never really overwhelmed, he was also dominant in his duels (3/3 won). It took until the 55th minute of play to see him being overtaken by Kylian Mbappé, on a high-V speed overflow from the Frenchman.

    • Stones (6): he played a part marked by a notable accuracy in the game of the ball at the foot. He also used his experience to provoke French faults or to ensure that his were not reported. Hit 75 times, he managed to complete 100% of his passes, both short and long. Replaced by Jack Grealish (90th+8)

    • Maguire (5): constantly looking for attacking set pieces, the Manchester United central defender saw his physical characteristics put to use against Olivier Giroud. He sent an intense thrill to all the French with 20 minutes to go, sending his header to the post of Hugo Lloris.

    • Shaw (5.5): he tried to deceive Hugo Lloris on a free kick (21st), without success. Put in difficulty by the vivacity of Ousmane Dembélé in the first period, the left side of the Three Lions recovered well during the second. Much more present on the offensive level, he delivered many more or less dangerous centers in the tricolor area.

    • Henderson (5): very present with Bukayo Saka on the right side, the English number 8 was also present with Kyle Walker, so as to perform a double take on Kylian Mbappé. He was also very valuable in the laundry, regularly harassing the ball carrier, even if it meant making a few small mistakes. Replaced by Mason Mount (79th) who obtained, as soon as he entered, a penalty in favor of his team.

    • Rice (5.5): regulator of the English midfield, he is thus the player to have touched the most balls in this sector during the first act. Always very calm with the ball at his feet, he perfectly oriented his team’s game, letting them benefit from the quality of his transmissions.

    • Bellingham (6): after seeing Antoine Griezmann scratch several balls in his feet, the young English midfielder managed to get into his game well. Very available in almost all areas of the game, the Borussia Dortmund player made Hugo Lloris shine from the start of the second act (47th). Very combative, he however showed signs of annoyance, demanding many things from the central referee.

    • Saka (7): a first good ball recovered from the feet of Tchouaméni (3rd) and an overflowing activity on his right side were not enough to take the measure of a well-legged Théo Hernandez… or at least in the first period. Provocative, he is behind the penalty won by England and was the main danger on the English side. Replaced by Raheem Sterling (79th)

    • Kane (6): he was close to taking the French defense from behind (22nd) and caused many problems for Dayot Upamecano. He forced his Tottenham teammate, Hugo Lloris, to the parade (29th), before deceiving him on a penalty at the start of the second act (54th). He also, as usual, made many stalls, so as to participate in the game of his team. He could have been the savior of his people if he had managed to convert his second shot on goal (84th).

    • Foden (5.5): initially placed on the left side of the English attack, he finally had a role of free spirit, dropping out on numerous occasions and not hesitating to navigate the entirety of the playing area to propose solutions to his teammates. Hard-hitting, he also caused several fouls in important areas with a view to creating chances. Replaced by Marcus Rashford (86th) who also had the opportunity to equalize at the end of the game.

    France

    • Lloris (7.5): the Blues goalkeeper made many life-saving interventions in the first period, including one on Shaw’s free kick (21st). A minute later, he made a very good outing at the feet of Kane (22nd). He released a new high-class parade against the English striker on a deflected shot which went into his skylight (29th). Back from the locker room, the Spurs goalkeeper made the perfect save on Bellingham’s strike (47th) but he can’t do anything about Kane’s equalizer on penalty (54th).

    • Kounde (5): the Barcelonan was not reassuring on his right side due in particular to a flagrant lack of automatism with Dembélé on the offensive phases. Defensively, he made a good header to get ahead of Kane a few minutes before halftime (41st). He suffered against the English attackers and did not show himself very much in the opposing part of the field, a really complicated meeting for him during which he did not win points.

    • Varana (6): the defense of the France team was calm and solid in the first period under the impulse of the Manchester United player as evidenced by his control in the opposing part of the field under pressure from the opposing attackers when all his teammates were mounted (35th). The English equalizer sowed doubt in the heads (54th) and the defense crumbled but it still managed not to sink to avoid defeat.

    • Upamecano (5.5): the Bayern player managed a good intervention on Saka before the goal of the Blues (17th). He also lost his duel against Kane by being tricked by his body feint (22nd). And he could have committed a very damaging foul on the Spurs player (25th) but the VAR ruled in favor of the Frenchman (27th). Despite his mistakes, the defender of the Blues was relatively solid on the other situations he had to manage such as the overflow then the center of Saka (51st).

    • Hernandez (5): the side was not very comfortable like his alter ego on the other side of the field but he was still a cut above both defensively and offensively. When France had just conceded the equalizer and suffered in retreating against the English offensives, he obtained a questionable fault by carrying out a high-class defensive return against Saka (72nd). Unfortunately for him, he makes a very avoidable fault on Mount and offers a new penalty to England after the intervention of the VAR (82nd).

    • Griezmann (7.5): man of the match, see above.

    • Chuameni (6.5): the Madrilenian started his meeting with a bad recovery (3rd). Conversely, the France team owes him the opener with an incredible long shot that deceived Pickford (17th). However, he disappeared from radar after his achievement and worse, he was responsible for the English equalizer by being too naive and mowing down Saka in the French area (52nd). The midfielder was caught by Maguire in a head duel but luckily for him the defender found Lloris’ post (70th).

    • Rabiot (7): the Juventus player was invaluable in the midfield of the Blues even if he started his match with a dangerous ball loss (14th). In the process, he continued with a very good recovery but the former Parisian did not shoot and preferred to put away for Mbappé, too bad (15th). The 27-year-old shone in midfield in the first half. After the break, he made another good intervention to recover the ball and launch the counterattack (56th). He was less flamboyant in the second period.

    • Dembele (5.5): the Barcelonan started his match by showing his good understanding with Griezmann with a very good connection between the two players. Very involved but lacking in success, he did not have the expected influence. The twirling winger simplified his game but nothing worked and he often seemed not to believe it in the second period on two hot situations that he should have read better. He also got a yellow card on a defensive return (46th). He was replaced by Coman (79th).

    • Giroud (6.5): the pivot of the Blues could have put his foot instead of his head on the first French hot situation (11th). Little to his advantage in the first period, he showed himself at the best of times, after the English equalizer. At first, his recovery with the flat foot was pushed back for a corner by Pickford (77th). Then a few minutes later, he delivered the Blues by beating Maguire on the second French goal (78th). The Milanese is still as valuable at the forefront of the attack.

    • Mbappe (5): the Parisian set fire to his left side from the start of the meeting (2nd) even if he missed most of his gestures in the first period. He could have launched Rabiot with a subtle pass but he preferred to keep the ball while getting a good well-placed foul. It is also the Parisian striker who is at the conclusion of the combination put in place by the Blues on this set piece (39th). He made his first overflow on Walker in the second period (56th). By far, his worst match in the competition as evidenced by his new missed dribble (90th + 1).

  • Pitch Perfect, String Quartet Hitting The Right Notes In Turin

    Pitch Perfect, String Quartet Hitting The Right Notes In Turin

    Fans have been treated to dramatic three-set matches at the Nitto ATP Finals this week, with Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud among those producing their best in Turin.

    However, the players are not the only ones who have been putting on a show at the Pala Alpitour. Krystal Kuartet, an electric string group from Bologna, have lit up the Pala Alpitour with their pitch-perfect performances before each singles match.

    For violinists Ilaria Coratti and Altea Saraceni, the experience of playing in front of more than 10,000 fans each session has been memorable.

    “I had a range of feelings before playing,” Coratti said. “We were nervous. But then we were really excited when [we] started [playing], with all the crowds screaming at us. It is a performance for us. It is a joy for us.”

    “It is really amazing because you enter the arena and all the people are watching you and it is very impressive,” Saraceni added.


    Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

     Nitto ATP Finals Tournament Director Adam Hogg said: “I think the key for us is that the event has built a reputation for innovation, technology, moving forward, market-leading in terms of how we present the sport. But it is also [about] blending that with the location where we are, and that’s the crux of what we’re trying to do.

    “You see Italian influence, whether it be through the contrast between different elements of Italian culture and the professionalism required to be an elite athlete in terms of performance, dedication, skill and time spent at your craft and the like. [It is about] combining that element of Italianism and culture, but also with elite modern sport.”

    Coratti and Saraceni revealed the group, which also includes violinists Greta Rondelli and Viviana Marzolo, practises for five hours a day to ensure they deliver their best when they step on court to perform. The pair has enjoyed being part of the prestigious year-end event and have loved watching the tennis, rewarding themselves for their incredible performances by cheering on the players.

    “We have seen some matches and we love it so much,” said Saraceni, who used to play tennis before turning her focus to music. “It is a really important event and Turin is really grateful to have this competition in this city.”

    “It is different as we usually play for private events [such as] birthday parties and weddings,” Coratti said. “Sometimes we play at sporting events. We went to play at an MMA event in Bahrain as well. But this is bigger.”

  • Frankfurt-OM: match notes

    Frankfurt-OM: match notes

    Chain a third victory and get closer to qualification, even seal it. Olympique de Marseille could dream of a beautiful evening in Frankfurt in a Deutsche Bank Park with a splendid atmosphere. She started badly, however, with the opener signed Kamada in the 3rd minute, following a nice shift and a nice feint from Lindstrom. The Japanese resisted the return of Gigot and his left foot strike deceived Pau Lopez (1-0, 3rd). But OM, as since the start of the season, did not let themselves be defeated, unwinding the pressing demanded by Igor Tudor. And it ended up paying off. Mbemba, king of overtaking, sent a perfect cross into the area for Guendouzi, who took over with a pure attacking gesture, right foot (1-1, 22nd). A short-lived joy since a lack of defensive aggressiveness on the Olympian side allowed Eintracht Frankfurt to regain the lead. Götze was served at the entrance to the surface and the ball arrived at the feet of Kolo Muani. The French played a one-two with the German in the heart of the Marseille area and adjusted Pau Lopez (2-1, 27th). OM moved forward again: Nuno Tavares was very close to finding Alexis Sanchez at the far post (30th) and Harit fell on a great Kevin Trapp (45th).

    OM fall again

    On returning from the locker room, OM relied on Sanchez to create danger (57th, 60th), and Tudor played coaching on the hour mark surprisingly leaving Guendouzi to launch Ünder, while Kolasinac replaced a Gigot in difficulty. Despite a good intensity, OM had a lot of trouble creating real clear chances, while Eintracht strengthened their midfield. Carried by their supporters, the Germans responded to the physical challenge of the men of Tudor. And held on until the end of the meeting. With this success, they double OM and relaunch before the last day which promises to be exciting. Between Tottenham, 1st, and OM, 4th, there is only a four point difference. The Phocaeans will have to win whatever happens to believe in qualifying for the round of 16.

    • man of the match: Lindstrøm (7.5): his game without the ball by letting the leather pass between his legs on his team’s 1st goal from the start was excellent. His high volume of play is noteworthy with an omnipresence in midfield, hurting OM a lot on the counter with his speed and technique. The Dane never stopped wanting to help his teammates on both sides of the pitch. Ultra complete match for him and a real quality of percussion which made OM suffer. Replaced by Rode (69th) The German midfielder brought impact to the midfield.

    Frankfurt

    • Trapp (7): Rather quiet at the start of the match, the Eintracht captain was shot by Guendouzi with a powerful point-blank shot without being able to do anything about it (22nd). Lays down perfectly just before the break on a volley from Harit (45th). He gave a lot of voice to his team during the highlights of the visitors, especially when returning from the locker room. Comes out a nice save with one hand on an off-center free kick shot at the far post by Sanchez (59th). He answered now.

    • Jackic (5): At fault on Guendouzi’s equalizer with a bad placement (22nd), he nevertheless showed himself to be impactful in the duels. Its complementarity with its Croatian compere felt with visible compensation work and beautiful covers. Redoubled his vigilance in the money-time to repel the Marseille attacks.

    • Smolcic (5): placed in a centre-back role in a three-man defence, the Croatian was not present in the first leg but watched well and muzzled Sanchez in the first half by making a huge save on the latter in front of his goal after a cross from Tavares (30th). His second half speaks for him with effective interventions and a good presence in the air. Warned of a yellow card after a delay on the twirling Amine Harit (58th)

    • Ndicka (6.5): the Frenchman who went through AJ Auxerre gave us a good climb by combining with Lenz. He offered a nice decisive pass to Kamada (3rd) with his left foot. Very generous defensively, his raises were interesting, finding takers almost every time. Very mobile for his height (1.92m) with an appreciable quality of speed which surprised the Marseille midfielder at times.

    • Lenz (5): great craftsman of his team’s first goal with a two-man action with Ndicka. Frankfurt’s left piston projected offensively and could have scored without the fine save from the Olympian goalkeeper (18th) on an error by Balerdi. Contained as he could the contribution of Clauss for OM. Replaced by Pellegrini (45th) rather concentrated defensively with on the other side, a good offensive contribution when he could. Rating: 4.5.

    • Sow (5): a little far from his attackers in sequence to provide support, the Swiss generally did the job in the double pivot with Kamada, sliding with his block while applying himself in his transmissions when his formation had the ball. Active in the Rongier area, he limited his contribution by cutting certain passing lines.

    • Kamada (6.5): excellent in the first leg, the Japanese distinguished himself with a flat-footed goal in the 3rd minute, resisting pressure from Gigot following a pass from Ndicka that Götze voluntarily let pass. Rarely under pressure, he did not panic despite Marseille pressing with simple play and extreme calm. Placed higher at the end of the match after the return of Rode, who came to put his feet in the middle when he returned.

    • Dina Ebimbe (6): on loan from PSG, he obviously wanted to play a big game against OM. Active in his right lane by accumulating back and forth, he is on the other hand wait-and-see on Guendouzi’s goal being far from the mark. He looked Nuno Tavares in the eye despite his successive climbs and made his power speak with a nice breakthrough and a strong center in front of goal, finding no one (48th). Warned quite stupidly for a dispute (75th). But overall it’s a good game from him. Replaced by Alidou (79th)

    • Gotze (6): stalled a lot to provide passing solutions to his teammates. Present in the opposing area, he narrowly missed scoring the 2-0 goal with a floating header finishing next to the left post of Lopez (15th) on a serve from Lindstrom but offered a decisive pass for Kolo- Muani. The German world champion made his technique speak in midfield even if he was less visible in the second half but valuable at the end of the match to keep the ball.

    • Lindstrom (7.5): see below.

    • Kolo Muani (6): experienced a complicated start to the match, without much space, frustrating him at times with irritation. Some technical clumsiness and lost balloons this evening but the ex-canary made up for it with a one-two with Götze and a nice finish as a bonus for the 2-1 (28th). The French international often found himself on the ground after rough contact. Replaced by Borré (79th) who brought new blood which was seen with the fatigue of the Marseille defenders. His strike ends in the gloves of Lopez (88th).

    OM

    • Lopez (4.5): the Spanish goalkeeper was beaten twice in this encounter. First quickly on a subtle strike from Kamada then on a strike from Kolo Muani where he could have done better. But he is masked by Balerdi on the strike of the former Nantes player. And then, above all, he kept his people alive in this meeting by winning in front of Christopher Lenz after a blunder from Balerdi. He struggled with his kicking game as well.

    • Mbemba (5.5): the Congolese international is undoubtedly the best player on the defensive line at the start of the season. Even when his team is in difficulty, he is the only one to respond present in the duels, in the impact. With a Clauss who rises enormously, it is he who takes care of covering the spaces and he ends up almost on the right side at times. He turned into David Beckham for the time of a magnificent cross for the equalizer of Guendouzi (22nd).

    • Balerdi (2.5): the matches follow one another and look alike for the Argentinian. After a period of improvement for a few matches, Balerdi fell back into his ways and went on to disappointing matches. This Wednesday evening, he missed almost everything. Already not serene on the opening of the score of the Germans, a completely failed recovery on his part could have cost dearly (17th) to his team. On Frankfurt’s second goal, he is once again on the pick-up. Worrying.

    • Leg (3): like his Argentinian teammate, Samuel Gigot had a complicated evening. Disappointing with the ball, he left countless spaces for opposing attackers. His placement had nothing specific on this match and it is he who is at fault on the second German goal. In short, a match clearly without for him who was not helped by his midfield it is true. Substituted for Kolasinac on the hour mark. The former Arsenal player did not bring serenity to the defense. He put himself at the level of his teammates, it will be said.

    • Clauss (3.5): the Marseille right piston was very discreet in this match. Too much even when his team needed him. Jostled in the duels, he did not have his usual performance offensively. Mbemba was more dangerous than him in this match. That is to say… Physically, we felt he was in great difficulty. And without juice, necessarily, difficult for him to make the difference. Replaced in the 86th by Luis Suarez.

    • Rodier (3): the captain of the day also had a delicate evening. If his team was pierced in midfield, it is certainly because his duo with Veretout did not work at all. He experienced all the trouble in the world to contain the Germans. And faced with the technical ease of Gotze or Kamada, the former Nantes player almost did not exist.

    • Veretout (3): another match where the former Roma did not manage to show off at all. On the contrary. He completely took on water in this meeting and was asphyxiated by the German midfielder. Ball at the foot, he brought nothing. Nor in his travels. Very far from what he showed in Serie A, Jordan Veretout therefore continues a new disappointing performance which does not help his team at all.

    • Tavares (4.5): more prominent than Clauss on the other side, the Portuguese piston alternated the good and the less good in this meeting. He tried to participate in the actions of his team by coming up to propose solutions. One of his centers could have found a taker without the good intervention of the German defender. He tried a lot but also had some waste in his game, especially technically. He lost his lucidity as the match progressed because Frankfurt insisted a lot on his side.

    • Guendouzi (4.5): in the attacking trio, Matteo Guendouzi once again seemed uncomfortable in the last third of the game. But when he starts from further away, the former Arsenal player is still just as interesting. Firstly because he has an undeniable impact on the OM midfield, then because he tends to follow the actions to the end and therefore attracts defenders. His goal of the equalizer illustrates this perfectly. He helped when he was lower on the pitch but remains discreet in this position. Surprisingly replaced at the hour of play by Under. The Turkish striker tried to make a difference. Without success.

    • Bean (4.5): the Moroccan international initially struggled to be found. But when he was, he was able to make differences with the ball, especially in his controls. We saw some great combinations with Alexis Sanchez and he didn’t go far from scoring a great goal with a nice volley (44th). In the second half, he often dropped out to take the game on his own.

    • Sanchez (4): the Chilean striker had almost nothing to eat. Too alone in front, he multiplied the calls but was very little served. He was still able to create an opportunity that he was unable to convert. But difficult to be dangerous in a match like today for the former Barça striker.