Eight games to go and it is neck and neck with PSG for the title!
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Olympique de Marseille: Droit au But
An Olympique de Marseille story for Football Manager 2016
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Yeah its getting close to the end now! Really hope we dont bottle it!
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CRUNCH MATCH: LE CLASSIQUE PREVIEW
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PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
2015-16 Season: 1st
President: Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Captain: Thiago Silva
Key Players: Salvatore Sirigu, Thiago Silva, Marco Veratti, Angel Di Maria, Edinson Cavani
Predicted Finish: 1st
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Fans Verdict: ”It’s getting very tight and very close to the end of the season so everything could ride on this game. They’ve had the better of us in the last couple of games at their place, but then we did annihilate them in the Trophee des Champions at the start of the season and if we can find that kind of form again we will win and we will be on our way to the title if you ask me. We’ve got the players with the know how to win the league whilst they might not, so it’s ours to lose for me.” Predicted Result: 2-0 PSG
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OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE
2015-16 Season: 3rd
President: Vincent Labrune
Manager: Christophe Galtier
Captain: Loic Perrin
Key Players: Asmir Begovic, Loic Perrin, Jonas Martin, Romain Alessandrini, Michy Batshuayi
Predicted Finish: 3rd
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Fans Verdict: ”To be where we are at this stage of the season is fantastic and all of us really hope we can go on to win. Losing this game wouldn’t be the end of the world because we’ve got a game in hand but claiming anything here would be brilliant and really would put us in the driving seat. Hopefully we can snatch a point or a dream victory and give ourselves a massive boost in the hunt for the title.” Predicted Result: 2-1 Marseille.
Massive, massive game for you at this stage in the season - don't let the hype bring you down!
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Yeah this next month is going to be month and is gonna decide how this season ends i think!
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UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE PREVIEW: MANCHESTER CITY VS. OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE
Manchester City
Round Of 16 Result: 3-2 ![]()
Vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Vs. Tottenham HotspurPresident: Khaldoon Al Mubarak
Manager: Unai Emery
Captain: Vincent Kompany
Key Players: Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero
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Fans Verdict: ”I think, and most fans would probably agree with me, that whilst Marseille are a fantastic side, we are the better side. The quality of player we have here should be more suited to the Champions League not the Europa League and we’re expecting to win this trophy so beating Marseille should just be another step along the road to glory. Sorry Marseille fans, but this is our tie.” Predicted Result: Manchester City Victory.
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OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE
Round Of 16 Result: 5-0 ![]()
Vs. Olympique Lyonnais
Vs. Olympique LyonnaisPresident: Vincent Labrune
Manager: Christophe Galtier
Captain: Loic Perrin
Key Players: Asmir Begovic, Loic Perrin, Jonas Martin, Remy Cabella, Michy Batshuayi
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Fans Verdict: ”The way we blew Lyon away in the second leg of our round of 16 tie was absolutely phenomenal and it gave all of us a real glimpse of what this team can achieve when it is at its very best. However we are going to have to be at our very very best to get anything from this tie, and personally I think the most we can expect in the First Leg is a plucky draw, but even then I think they’ll be too good for us at the end of the day.” Predicted Result: Manchester City Victory.
Hahaha love it!
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UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL UPDATE
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13.04.2017: Manchester City 1-1 Olympique de Marseille ![]()
25: M. Batshuayi 64: D. Silva20.04.2017: Olympique de Marseille 2-3 (3-4 Agg) Manchester City ![]()
21: M. Batshuayi 35: A. Barrada 40: K. de Bruyne 42: R. Sterling 54: K. de Bruynehttp://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/Mg1001/Olympique%20de%20Marseille%20Manager%20Story/Banners/f550e909-a17a-465c-8e6d-0354c592de9b.jpg
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Saturday 22nd April 2017, 19:45 Hours
Banyard: ”Hello everybody and welcome to the Stade de France for today’s Coupe de la Ligue Final between Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes. The Coupe de la Ligue represents the first chance to win a major trophy in French football and both sides will be desperate to get their hands around the trophy later on tonight. My name’s Steve Banyard and joining me today is a former Marseille defender and World Cup winning defender Frank Lebouef. Frank, how are you feeling ahead of what should be a fascinating game?”
Lebouef: ”Thanks Steve, I’m feeling good, I’m confident that we are in for a thrilling game tonight. This is going to be a very tight game if you ask me, Marseille haven’t been as fluent lately as they have been at times during the season so if Nantes can capitalise on that, then they do have a shot at the trophy.”
Banyard: ”Okay, thank you Frank. Now let’s take a look at the two teams competing in tonight’s Final. First up is Olympique de Marseille. Cue graphic!”
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Lebouef: ”What can you say about this Marseille side? They’re in fantastic form in all competitions and could well win the first trophy of a potential treble tonight. They’re looking like they could really be up for the Ligue 1 title and I think they’re gonna go at this game and seal their fourth Coupe de la Ligue title.”
Banyard: ”Thanks Frank, now what about their opponents tonight, FC Nantes?”
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Lebouef: ”After such a promising start to the season, where they were challenging for the title in the first couple of months, they’ve slipped off the radar a bit, but they’ve still done well to get here. A lot of the eyes will be on Saber Khelifa playing in a major cup final against his old side, and he’ll hope he can win the final for Nantes and show Marseille what they are missing.”
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The Stade de France, the venue for today’s Coupe de France Final is expected to be at it’s full capacity of 79,000 for the match between Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes.
Banyard: ”Well there are the two teams then. The Stade de France is full to the rafters and we’re closing in on kick off. We’ve got the team news coming up for you soon, but first we’ll bring you the latest from the pre match press conferences, that were of course held yesterday in this magnificents stadium’s press room. First up is Olympique de Marseille manager Christophe Galtier and club Captain Loic Perrin, and then we’ll hear from FC Nantes manager Alain Casanova and captain Lorik Cana.
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Christophe Galtier: ”We know that we’re in a fantastic position here, both in terms of winning the Coupe de la Ligue and what we can achieve during the rest of the season now. We want this more than them, I can feel it in the squad, and our run here has proven that. Beating PSG and Monaco on the route to this Final proves how good we are and I think we can make it 2 trophies in 2 seasons tomorrow. We’ll field our strongest team possible and see where it takes us.”
Loic Perrin: ”Like last season, we’re going into this final full of confidence. Confidence that we can claim the trophy and bring so much joy to our supporters. Having won this competition at Saint-Etienne I know how much it does mean to the supporters even though they may write it off to their friends. If we’re lifting that trophy at the end of the season, they’ll go absolutely mental and we can’t wait to try and make them feel that level of emotion.”
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Alain Casanova: ”We’re in for a tough ride tonight, but it is definitely one we feel we can overcome. We’ve had some tests, beating the likes of Evian and Toulouse was fantastic and we’ve been doing really well. To add a trophy to this season would be fantastic, we’re having a great time in Ligue 1, even if it’s not as good as it was at the start of the season, but if we can win here then we can build on that after this game. But our focus is by far the Coupe de la Ligue Final and grabbing a trophy tonight would be a special way to mark a brilliant season.”
Lorik Cana: ”People have been asking me all the time about this Final being against my former club, and whilst it is significant, it’s not going to be at the foreground of my mind, and neither will be at the foreground of Saber’s mind either. He’s had a great time this season and he’s more than capable of scoring the goals in this Final that can power us to victory. We’re more determined than ever to see our fans celebrating at the end of the game tomorrow, and we hope that it can be the start of a new era of success here at Nantes.”
Banyard: ”Okay, thank you very much Frank! After the break then, we’ll bring you the full match coverage of the 2016-2017 season’s Coupe de la Ligue Final between Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes. Don’t go anywhere!”
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COUPE DE LA LIGUE FINAL: OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE VS. FC NANTES PRE-MATCH
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/Mg1001/Olympique%20de%20Marseille%20Manager%20Story/Banners/ESPN%20FC.pngSaturday 22nd April 2017, 19:45 Hours
Banyard: ”Hello everybody and welcome to the Stade de France for today’s Coupe de la Ligue Final between Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes. The Coupe de la Ligue represents the first chance to win a major trophy in French football and both sides will be desperate to get their hands around the trophy later on tonight. My name’s Steve Banyard and joining me today is a former Marseille defender and World Cup winning defender Frank Lebouef. Frank, how are you feeling ahead of what should be a fascinating game?”
Lebouef: ”Thanks Steve, I’m feeling good, I’m confident that we are in for a thrilling game tonight. This is going to be a very tight game if you ask me, Marseille haven’t been as fluent lately as they have been at times during the season so if Nantes can capitalise on that, then they do have a shot at the trophy.”
Banyard: ”Okay, thank you Frank. Now let’s take a look at the two teams competing in tonight’s Final. First up is Olympique de Marseille. Cue graphic!”
TEAM PREVIEWS
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Lebouef: ”What can you say about this Marseille side? They’re in fantastic form in all competitions and could well win the first trophy of a potential treble tonight. They’re looking like they could really be up for the Ligue 1 title and I think they’re gonna go at this game and seal their fourth Coupe de la Ligue title.”
Banyard: ”Thanks Frank, now what about their opponents tonight, FC Nantes?”
Lebouef: ”After such a promising start to the season, where they were challenging for the title in the first couple of months, they’ve slipped off the radar a bit, but they’ve still done well to get here. A lot of the eyes will be on Saber Khelifa playing in a major cup final against his old side, and he’ll hope he can win the final for Nantes and show Marseille what they are missing.”
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The Stade de France, the venue for today’s Coupe de France Final is expected to be at it’s full capacity of 79,000 for the match between Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes.
Banyard: ”Well there are the two teams then. The Stade de France is full to the rafters and we’re closing in on kick off. We’ve got the team news coming up for you soon, but first we’ll bring you the latest from the pre match press conferences, that were of course held yesterday in this magnificents stadium’s press room. First up is Olympique de Marseille manager Christophe Galtier and club Captain Loic Perrin, and then we’ll hear from FC Nantes manager Alain Casanova and captain Lorik Cana.
PRESS CONFERENCES
Christophe Galtier: ”We know that we’re in a fantastic position here, both in terms of winning the Coupe de la Ligue and what we can achieve during the rest of the season now. We want this more than them, I can feel it in the squad, and our run here has proven that. Beating PSG and Monaco on the route to this Final proves how good we are and I think we can make it 2 trophies in 2 seasons tomorrow. We’ll field our strongest team possible and see where it takes us.”
Loic Perrin: ”Like last season, we’re going into this final full of confidence. Confidence that we can claim the trophy and bring so much joy to our supporters. Having won this competition at Saint-Etienne I know how much it does mean to the supporters even though they may write it off to their friends. If we’re lifting that trophy at the end of the season, they’ll go absolutely mental and we can’t wait to try and make them feel that level of emotion.”
Alain Casanova: ”We’re in for a tough ride tonight, but it is definitely one we feel we can overcome. We’ve had some tests, beating the likes of Evian and Toulouse was fantastic and we’ve been doing really well. To add a trophy to this season would be fantastic, we’re having a great time in Ligue 1, even if it’s not as good as it was at the start of the season, but if we can win here then we can build on that after this game. But our focus is by far the Coupe de la Ligue Final and grabbing a trophy tonight would be a special way to mark a brilliant season.”
Lorik Cana: ”People have been asking me all the time about this Final being against my former club, and whilst it is significant, it’s not going to be at the foreground of my mind, and neither will be at the foreground of Saber’s mind either. He’s had a great time this season and he’s more than capable of scoring the goals in this Final that can power us to victory. We’re more determined than ever to see our fans celebrating at the end of the game tomorrow, and we hope that it can be the start of a new era of success here at Nantes.”
TEAM NEWS
Banyard: ”Well, there you have it folks, the views of the Manager and Club Captain at Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes. Two very good managers in the French game go head to head and there are some fantastic match ups that are going to happen on the pitch tonight. During that segment we have received the team news, with both Marseille and Nantes naming very strong teams for the game ahead.”
Banyard: ”Christophe Galtier makes 4 changes to the side that lost 3-2 to Manchester City on Wednesday night. At right back Brice Dja Djedje returns to the starting XI as Dennis Appiah is moved into his usual central defender role where he partners Club Captain Loic Perrin. At left back Franck Tabanou is given the chance to win his second Coupe de la Ligue trophy, whilst Lassana Diarra returns to the side in the defensive midfielder. The final change to the side sees Abou Diaby replace Abdelaziz Barrada in the middle of the park, whilst Galtier retains the forward three that played against Manchester City on Wednesday evening, as Cabella, Ocampos and Batshuayi all start.”
Banyard: ”FC Nantes manager makes three changes to the Nantes side that lost 3-2 to Lorient last time out. At left wing back Dubois is called in to the starting XI to replace Moimbe whilst in the central midfield roles in Alain Casanova’s 5-3-2 formation, Rongier and Toure start in place of Bedoya and Remi Gomis, neither of whom make the 18 players representing the club at the seasons Coupe de la Ligue Final. Up front Prevljak and Saber Khalifa start again, with the latter hoping to dent his former clubs chances of winning the trophy. At the back, Club Captain Lorik Cana will also be looking to gain one over his former club as he too is a former Olympique de Marseille player.”
PRE-MATCH ODDS
Banyard: ”Okay then folks, that is how the two teams are going to line up tonight, all that is left before we head pitch-side for kick off is the Sky Bet Odds which should be on your screens round about now. Frank your thoughts?”
Lebouef: ”Personally, and I’ll be accused of bias towards my old club, but I think they’ve got it right. Marseille are on a fantastic run of form at the minute, yeah they might have lost last time out against Man City but they’re still in with a very realistic chance of winning the treble this season and I think they’re going to grab the first of those trophies tonight. Nantes will put up a good fight but I don’t think they’ll be able to quite compete with this Marseille side.”
Banyard: ”Okay, thank you very much Frank! After the break then, we’ll bring you the full match coverage of the 2016-2017 season’s Coupe de la Ligue Final between Olympique de Marseille and FC Nantes. Don’t go anywhere!”
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Saturday 22nd April 2017, 20:44 Hours
Banyard: ”Welcome back to the Stade de France folks! We’re just moments away from kick off in the Coupe de la Ligue Final. Frank, final words on who you think is going to be crowned winners come full time?”
Lebouef: ”It’s going to be a great game, but my heart and my head both agree that it should be Marseille who are the winners come the full time whistle.”
Banyard: ”It is FC Nantes that kick us off, here at the Stade de France as Saber Khalifa plays the ball back to Vizcarrondo who clears the ball long up field and gives the ball straight back to Marseille, deep in their own half.”
20:50 Hours
Banyard: ”Olympique de Marseille have spurned the first chance of the half as Abou Diaby has fired the ball way over the crossbar, after being played into space by Argentine Lucas Ocampos.”
Lebouef: ”If that ball had been given to anyone of Cabella, Ocampos or Batshuayi it would be 1-0 right now. Unfortunately for Diaby he doesn’t possess the finishing qualities of those three, but that’s a good start for Marseille. The goals are coming!”
21:01 Hours
Banyard: ”Michy Batshuayi should have done a lot better here, he’s moved into acres of space but he just timed his run a little too early there and he’s been signalled offside.”
21:10 Hours
Banyard: ”Marseille should be in front, they really should be. Brice Dja Djedje slips the ball through to Mario Lemina who lobs the ball over the top and Michy Batshuayi almost takes the chance too soon as he sees his name up in lights but fires the ball against the cross bar on the half volley.”
Lebouef: ”He had plenty of time there, he could easily have taken a touch and just slotted it past Riou in the Nantes goal but he wanted the glory and smacked it straight against the bar.”
Banyard: ”Okay Frank its 0-0 here at the Stade de France, neither side has taken a chance. However Marseille have clearly had the better of the game, they’ve spurned quite a few chances and failed to find the net, your thoughts?”
Lebouef: ”Yes they really should be ahead. But for me the biggest disappointment has been Nantes, they’ve really not got going and they’ve just been stuck making sure that Marseille don’t score multiple goals. But Marseille’s play has been pretty good, but Galtier will be telling them in the changing room at the minute that they should be doing better and could very easily be winning this match.”
Banyard: ”Okay the two teams are back out for the second half of this game. Neither side have made any changes to their XI’s at half time and we go again as we were when the First Half ended just over 15 minutes ago. Let’s hope we see a goal this time.”
22:03 Hours![]()
Banyard: ”The first change of the game as Marseille bring Remy Cabella off the pitch and replace him with on loan midfielder Juan Manuel Iturbe. Frank can Iturbe be the man to change the course of this game?”
Lebouef: ”Yeah I think so, he’s played quite a bit of football this season and looked impressive. He has some main attributes that perhaps override the rest of them but if he uses these, such as his pace to the best of his ability, then he’s going to turn the game on this tiring Nantes side.”
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Banyard: ”BIG BIG BIG GOAL HERE AT THE STADE DE FRANCE. FC NANTES HAVE TAKEN THE UNLIKLIEST OF LEADS. It’s come through Saber Khalifa, the former Olympique de Marseille man of course, and it is the underdogs who are heading for the trophy as it stands. Rongier has played a superb free kick into the Marseille penalty area and the former Marseille striker has ran into the space and shaded the ball past Asmir Begovic in the Marseille goal and Christophe Galtier’s men are behind.”
Lebouef: ”It’s a very good goal for Nantes! They’ve done really well to hang in there at 0-0 and now they’ve got themselves in front! Saber Khalifa’s movement is fantastic here and the way he put the ball in the back of the net is great. Well done Nantes!”
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Alain Casanova instructs his side to regroup quickly, despite taking the lead against the odds in this Coupe de la Ligue Final
22:08 Hours![]()
Banyard: ”First yellow card of the game here at the Stade de France as Brice Dja Djedje lets his frustrations show as he launches into a tackle on Alexandre Coueff and the referee does not take any trouble, as he brandishes the yellow card for the Ivorian.”
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Banyard: ”Marseille make their second change of the game as Jonas Martin, who is still carrying a slight knock replaces Mario Lemina. Martin has been fantastic all season and Galtier will be hoping Marseille have still got something in their locker and that Martin can provide instrumental in Marseille getting back in this game.”
22:19 Hours![]()
Banyard: ”Nantes have made their first change of the game straight after Marseille have their best chance of the Second Half. The chances comes as Lucas Ocampos goes on a mazy run through the box from the left wing and fires straight at Remy Riou to earn Marseille a corner. The substitution then sees Coueff replaced by Djidji at right wing back as Nantes hope to tighten up their right wing defensive position.”
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Banyard: ”Lassana Diarra is booked as Marseille desperately look for that equaliser, as he slides in hard on Djidji after Marseille spurn another simple chance.”
22:35 Hours
Banyard: ”ITS OFFICIAL! FC NANTES HAVE TRIUMPHED AGAINST THE GIANTS OF MARSEILLE TO WIN THE COUPE DE LA LIGUE! Saber Khalifa has scored the only goal of the game against his former side to give Nantes their first Coupe de la Ligue Final. Marseille were arguably the better side the entire game but they’ve spurned their chances and Nantes have done it!”
Lebouef: ”As much as I thought that Marseille would cruise this final, Nantes have done absolutely brilliantly to go ahead and win this game. The goal was special, it might have been ridiculously simple, but it was special and Marseille ought to be kicking themselves that Khalifa has scored a goal of that simplicity. They didn’t really deserve to win this final based on the number of chances they’ve missed and huge congratulations have to be given to Nantes and Alain Casanova for orchestrating this win. Well done Nantes!”
Banyard: ”Okay Frank a fantastic final then, I think it’s times to hear what the managers and the players are feeling after this game, and then it will be time for the Trophy Presentation. Here’s what Alain Casanova, the triumphant manager had to say.”
Alain Casanova: ”We are absolutely delighted. Our game plan has gone 100% according to plan and we hit Marseille in an area where we knew, they might not necessarily be weak in, but one we are definitely strong in. Saber had been saying all week that he wanted to score in this final, and he’s done it and for him that is fantastic but I am so happy and so proud of all the lads in this team!”
Christophe Galtier: ”We’re disappointed. We felt we were the better team throughout the game but unfortunately we’ve not done what we came here to do and now we have to move on. We’re still in with a chance of winning two trophies now and we’ve got to try and make sure that we do it. This was heart breaking but we have still got plenty to go for this season.”
23:10 Hours
Banyard: ”Well everybody, that is the end of that, Nantes have lifted the Coupe de la Ligue title with a 1-0 victory over Marseille here at the Stade de France. For the FC Nantes players, their celebrations are going to go on long into the night but for us here at ESPN FC that is full time. Thank you for joining us for this game, we’ll see you next time. Good night!”
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COUPE DE LA LIGUE FINAL: OLYMIQUE DE MARSEILLE VS. FC NANTES
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/Mg1001/Olympique%20de%20Marseille%20Manager%20Story/Banners/ESPN%20FC.pngSaturday 22nd April 2017, 20:44 Hours
Banyard: ”Welcome back to the Stade de France folks! We’re just moments away from kick off in the Coupe de la Ligue Final. Frank, final words on who you think is going to be crowned winners come full time?”
Lebouef: ”It’s going to be a great game, but my heart and my head both agree that it should be Marseille who are the winners come the full time whistle.”
FIRST HALF
Saturday 22nd April, 20:45 HoursBanyard: ”It is FC Nantes that kick us off, here at the Stade de France as Saber Khalifa plays the ball back to Vizcarrondo who clears the ball long up field and gives the ball straight back to Marseille, deep in their own half.”
20:50 Hours
Banyard: ”Olympique de Marseille have spurned the first chance of the half as Abou Diaby has fired the ball way over the crossbar, after being played into space by Argentine Lucas Ocampos.”
Lebouef: ”If that ball had been given to anyone of Cabella, Ocampos or Batshuayi it would be 1-0 right now. Unfortunately for Diaby he doesn’t possess the finishing qualities of those three, but that’s a good start for Marseille. The goals are coming!”
21:01 Hours
Banyard: ”Michy Batshuayi should have done a lot better here, he’s moved into acres of space but he just timed his run a little too early there and he’s been signalled offside.”
21:10 Hours
Banyard: ”Marseille should be in front, they really should be. Brice Dja Djedje slips the ball through to Mario Lemina who lobs the ball over the top and Michy Batshuayi almost takes the chance too soon as he sees his name up in lights but fires the ball against the cross bar on the half volley.”
Lebouef: ”He had plenty of time there, he could easily have taken a touch and just slotted it past Riou in the Nantes goal but he wanted the glory and smacked it straight against the bar.”
HALF TIME
21:35 HoursBanyard: ”Okay Frank its 0-0 here at the Stade de France, neither side has taken a chance. However Marseille have clearly had the better of the game, they’ve spurned quite a few chances and failed to find the net, your thoughts?”
Lebouef: ”Yes they really should be ahead. But for me the biggest disappointment has been Nantes, they’ve really not got going and they’ve just been stuck making sure that Marseille don’t score multiple goals. But Marseille’s play has been pretty good, but Galtier will be telling them in the changing room at the minute that they should be doing better and could very easily be winning this match.”
SECOND HALF
21:47 HoursBanyard: ”Okay the two teams are back out for the second half of this game. Neither side have made any changes to their XI’s at half time and we go again as we were when the First Half ended just over 15 minutes ago. Let’s hope we see a goal this time.”
22:03 Hours
Banyard: ”The first change of the game as Marseille bring Remy Cabella off the pitch and replace him with on loan midfielder Juan Manuel Iturbe. Frank can Iturbe be the man to change the course of this game?”
Lebouef: ”Yeah I think so, he’s played quite a bit of football this season and looked impressive. He has some main attributes that perhaps override the rest of them but if he uses these, such as his pace to the best of his ability, then he’s going to turn the game on this tiring Nantes side.”
22:07 Hours
Banyard: ”BIG BIG BIG GOAL HERE AT THE STADE DE FRANCE. FC NANTES HAVE TAKEN THE UNLIKLIEST OF LEADS. It’s come through Saber Khalifa, the former Olympique de Marseille man of course, and it is the underdogs who are heading for the trophy as it stands. Rongier has played a superb free kick into the Marseille penalty area and the former Marseille striker has ran into the space and shaded the ball past Asmir Begovic in the Marseille goal and Christophe Galtier’s men are behind.”
Lebouef: ”It’s a very good goal for Nantes! They’ve done really well to hang in there at 0-0 and now they’ve got themselves in front! Saber Khalifa’s movement is fantastic here and the way he put the ball in the back of the net is great. Well done Nantes!”
Alain Casanova instructs his side to regroup quickly, despite taking the lead against the odds in this Coupe de la Ligue Final
22:08 Hours
Banyard: ”First yellow card of the game here at the Stade de France as Brice Dja Djedje lets his frustrations show as he launches into a tackle on Alexandre Coueff and the referee does not take any trouble, as he brandishes the yellow card for the Ivorian.”
22:08 Hours
Banyard: ”Marseille make their second change of the game as Jonas Martin, who is still carrying a slight knock replaces Mario Lemina. Martin has been fantastic all season and Galtier will be hoping Marseille have still got something in their locker and that Martin can provide instrumental in Marseille getting back in this game.”
22:19 Hours
Banyard: ”Nantes have made their first change of the game straight after Marseille have their best chance of the Second Half. The chances comes as Lucas Ocampos goes on a mazy run through the box from the left wing and fires straight at Remy Riou to earn Marseille a corner. The substitution then sees Coueff replaced by Djidji at right wing back as Nantes hope to tighten up their right wing defensive position.”
22:29 Hours
Banyard: ”Lassana Diarra is booked as Marseille desperately look for that equaliser, as he slides in hard on Djidji after Marseille spurn another simple chance.”
22:35 Hours
Banyard: ”ITS OFFICIAL! FC NANTES HAVE TRIUMPHED AGAINST THE GIANTS OF MARSEILLE TO WIN THE COUPE DE LA LIGUE! Saber Khalifa has scored the only goal of the game against his former side to give Nantes their first Coupe de la Ligue Final. Marseille were arguably the better side the entire game but they’ve spurned their chances and Nantes have done it!”
Lebouef: ”As much as I thought that Marseille would cruise this final, Nantes have done absolutely brilliantly to go ahead and win this game. The goal was special, it might have been ridiculously simple, but it was special and Marseille ought to be kicking themselves that Khalifa has scored a goal of that simplicity. They didn’t really deserve to win this final based on the number of chances they’ve missed and huge congratulations have to be given to Nantes and Alain Casanova for orchestrating this win. Well done Nantes!”
POST MATCH
22:55 HoursBanyard: ”Okay Frank a fantastic final then, I think it’s times to hear what the managers and the players are feeling after this game, and then it will be time for the Trophy Presentation. Here’s what Alain Casanova, the triumphant manager had to say.”
Alain Casanova: ”We are absolutely delighted. Our game plan has gone 100% according to plan and we hit Marseille in an area where we knew, they might not necessarily be weak in, but one we are definitely strong in. Saber had been saying all week that he wanted to score in this final, and he’s done it and for him that is fantastic but I am so happy and so proud of all the lads in this team!”
Christophe Galtier: ”We’re disappointed. We felt we were the better team throughout the game but unfortunately we’ve not done what we came here to do and now we have to move on. We’re still in with a chance of winning two trophies now and we’ve got to try and make sure that we do it. This was heart breaking but we have still got plenty to go for this season.”
23:10 Hours
Banyard: ”Well everybody, that is the end of that, Nantes have lifted the Coupe de la Ligue title with a 1-0 victory over Marseille here at the Stade de France. For the FC Nantes players, their celebrations are going to go on long into the night but for us here at ESPN FC that is full time. Thank you for joining us for this game, we’ll see you next time. Good night!”
@Jack thanks mate, was very hard to take considering our dominance of the tie!
@Griffo thanks mate but it gets worse
@Griffo thanks mate but it gets worse
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APRIL ROUNDUP: LIGUE 1 UPDATE
RESULTS
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05.04.2017: Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Olympique de Marseille ![]()
5: M. Batshuayi 16: Z. Ibrahimovic 41: M. Batshuayi 81: Bernard08.04.2017: Olympique de Marseille 3-0 Olympique Lyonnais ![]()
23: T. Bakayoko 26: M. Batshuayi 63: L. Ocampos16.04.2017: FC Metz 0-1 Olympique de Marseille ![]()
36: M. Batshuayi26.04.2017: FC Lorient 0-1 Olympique de Marseille ![]()
72: L. Ocampos29.04.2017: Olympique de Marseille 2-2 AS Monaco ![]()
5: M. Batshuayi 8: R. Alessandrini 18: J. Moutinho
78: L. Diarra 90+1: N. DirarLEAGUE TABLE
MANAGER'S THOUGHTS
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We are so close to the end of the season now that you can almost touch it, and there is still so much to play for. Our performances in Ligue 1 have been pretty top notch. To go to PSG and come away with a 2-2 draw was unexpected especially a 2-2 draw where we had been leading for large portions of the game and our all-round performance was top fantastic. Beating Lyon, Metz and Lorient with some very good performances at home vs Lyon and away against Metz and Lorient was extremely pleasing to say and hopefully our away form isn’t going to contribute to us slipping up in the run in in these final few games. To draw with Monaco especially after being 2-0 up though was incredibly frustrating and their equaliser came just because we were running on empty after Lassana Diarra had been sent off, which was a shame to be honest. In the Europa League to lose the way we did against Manchester City was even more frustrating and when wew were 2-0 up it felt like we could have scored more and saw out the game and progressed to the Semi Finals, but it just wasn’t to be this year. The good news though is that we are honing in on an automatic place in the Champions League which would be fantastic and avoiding the Qualifying Rounds meaning we get a normal pre-season would be even more fantastic. In the Coupe de la Ligue, we are left feeling incredibly frustrated knowing that we could and should have been more successful than we were because we dominated that final and to lose it to a goal from a player I sold last summer really hurt. Hopefully next month though, we can win our Semi Final of the Coupe de France against PSG and hopefully beat Lorient in the Final to claim our second Coupe de France title. As for the League, do I really need to say more about what we hope to achieve?
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