PLAYER RATINGS | Marseille 2-0 Rennes: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang & Azzedine Ounahi give OM first Ligue 1 victory since early October
At the term of an exciting match at the Velodrome between two of the biggest clubs in France, Olympique de Marseille overcame Stade Rennais in a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) and Azzedine Ounahi (23). The victory comes as a relief to Gennaro Gattuso’s side, who hadn’t won a game in Ligue 1 since an early October 3-0 victory over Le Havre.
Tonight, both teams were looking to replicate their recent European performances, as this week OM defeated Ajax Amsterdam 4-3 in their Europa League fixture, while Rennes beat Maccabi Haifa 0-3 away in the Conference League.
In the first half, the home team was more than happy to leave the ball to their opposition, as Rennes maintained 61% of possession, while Marseille attempted to exploit the space left behind by Julien Stephan’s high block, to play the attackers in and behind, or progress the ball via technical ball-carriers such as Amine Harit (26) or Iliman Ndiaye (23). Their strategy proved successful, as a seventh-minute drive into the box from Harit drew a foul from Christopher Wooh (22), winning a penalty. As he did twice against Ajax, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) stepped up to the spot and slotted it home, giving OM the lead.
Rennes on the other hand kept the possession, but without ever appearing dangerous. Wingbacks Adrien Truffert (22) and Benjamin Bourigeaud (29) multiplied runs down the flank, repeatedly attempting to feed their attackers with crosses and cutbacks, but always lacking the finishing touch. Both Amine Gouiri (23) and Martin Terrier (26), although generous in availability, never seemed to find space to receive the ball in dangerous positions.
More of the same in the second half, though Jonathan Clauss’ (31) half-time
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