Rome (AFP)

From Moscow in mid-September (1-1) to Rome, via the arrival of Galatasaray on the Canebière three weeks ago (0-0), the European matches follow each other and are similar.

But to bring back a point from Rome, initial favorite of the group and reinforced this summer by the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, is not a poor performance.

Especially in view of the attractive second period produced by the Romans, who could have won without a great stop from Pau Lopez in front of Pedro at the end of the match (87th).

Still, OM is in a rather fragile situation: the slightest defeat, on November 4 at the Velodrome against the Italians or during the last two days against Lokomotiv or in Istanbul, would seriously complicate the accounting situation.

In the standings, OM are only third, with three points, one step behind the Italians and Turks, and could well end the evening in last place if Lokomotiv beats Galatasaray (9:00 p.m.).

However, OM had a gala team on Thursday, coach Jorge Sampaoli having made only one change in the winners of Lorient on Sunday (4-1): Cengiz Ünder back from suspension at the expense of Konrad de la Fuente, and the scorer Arek Milik still starting, after his long injury.

Marseille coach Jorge Sampaoli gives placement instructions to his players opposed to Lazio at the Olympic stadium in Rome, October 21, 2021 Filippo MONTEFORTE AFP

The Lopez wall

OM found a more timid atmosphere than the Vélodrome on Sunday, at the Stadio Olimpico: game at the end of the afternoon, the travel ban imposed by the Italian authorities on Marseille supporters, no ticket sales to French residents.

Only a few thousand fans, most of them in the turn of the local ultras, tried to animate the meeting.

On the lawn too, the animation has long roared, with possession of the Marseille ball fairly neutral.

Milik had his chances but missed the frame (20th, 30th), Ünder ran into Thomas Strakosha after a technical festival (40th).

Opposite, the danger came from defender Luiz Felipe, from the head then from a corner, but the vigilant goalkeeper Pau Lopez did credit to his lending club, AS Roma, sworn enemy of Lazio, by deflecting the two attempts ( 33rd, 34th).

In defense, William Saliba was guilty of unusual recovery errors and captain Ciro Immobile chose his target, dominating the ex-Stéphanois in the duel before hitting above (51st), then passing him at the race before scoring a goal finally canceled for offside (58th).

Turkish Marseille striker Cengiz Ünder overwhelms Lazio's Manuel Lazzari in the Europa League at the Olympic stadium in Rome, October 21, 2021 Filippo MONTEFORTE AFP

As a good leader in the Roman attack, Immobile took control of the second half, even hitting the crossbar (69th).

Two minutes earlier, Lopez had already made an important save on Zaccagni.

He will remain as the man of the match on the Marseille side, like the last decisive face-to-face won in front of Pedro in the 87th minute.

A goalkeeper in shape, OM will undoubtedly need it against Paris on Sunday.

And maybe even more in November and December, if he wants to qualify.

© 2021 AFP