A ball, a goal, a fight. Strootman puts OM into euphoria

• Midfielder Kevin Strootman gave the win in Marseille this Friday in Rennes.
• The Olympians did not shine but they managed to hold out in the second half when they were battered by the Britons.
• OM provisionally take eight points ahead of Rennes, currently third. A hole.

A victory that counts double. By winning Friday night in Rennes, Olympique de Marseille provisionally took eight points ahead of their chaser. While waiting for the PSG match against Monaco on Sunday, the Olympiens return four points behind the Parisians. All thanks to Kevin Strootman. Replacing then scoring this Friday, the midfielder allowed Marseille to win 1-0 against Stade Rennais. In a match that he did not yet master.

Eighty-second minute. Valentin Rongier comes out under the whistles of Roazhon Park. The former Nantais is replaced by Kevin Strootman for the last ten minutes. Less than two minutes later, the Dutchman kicked his foot to take back the free kick from Dimitri Payet released by Edouard Mendy. The Rennes goalkeeper is on the ground and the ball comes to shake the nets of Roazhon Park. At this point in the match, OM is swimming in delirium and has eight points ahead of its opponent in the evening ... Unthinkable a few minutes earlier as Dimitri Payet's teammates were struggling in the game.

Channel commentators:

"AVB brings in Strootman, they are looking for a draw or they don't want to win"

Strootman: #TeamOM #SRFCOM pic.twitter.com/PnfSY7WG6f

A miracle also as the Dutch environment was in difficulties in recent weeks. "I was a bit lucky. We know that Dim strikes very well and that we have to be ready for the second balls. It's always a good feeling when you score, ”said the striker after the match. It's good for him. It is never easy to be a replacement, especially for a player like Kevin, ”summarized Valentin Rongier after the game. What make him want to stay at OM this winter? “I have three and a half years left on my contract. I signed up to play here, ”just replied the Dutchman.

The midfielder had already illustrated at halftime in an altercation with Rennes players where insults were flared. While he was a replacement, the Dutchman violently attacked several Rennes players and leaders who came to calm the game, sending a few insults that we will not repeat to you.

"I think they were content with 0-0"

Can we then cry out to the genius of André Villas-Boas and praise his winning coaching? “From what I saw in the second half, they were in no rush to take the ball. I think they were content with 0-0. Changing Strootman to Rongier was not an offensive change, but he was right, it worked, "said Rennes coach Julien Stéphan" frustrated "after the game. “We were moved on a difficult terrain but we knew what awaited us. I do not think that it is an individuality that should be highlighted this evening but rather the collective spirit ”, analyzed Valentin Rongier.

With all the suspensions that we are going to have, Isaac Lihadji may have a chance to play #srfcom

First well in place, the Olympians retreated in the second half, leaving the ball to the men of Julien Stéphan. In a match chopped by the faults, the scenario finally moved on a stopped kick. Guilty of an ugly sole on Maxime Lopez, captain Damien Silva offered a perfect free kick to Dimitri Payet, very discreet so far. The powerful strike could only be repelled by Edouard Mendy and Kevin Strootman arose ...

The Marseillais leave Brittany with the feeling of having made a big blow and fly away in the classification. "But we mustn't talk about the Champions League," warns Strootman. If they found Mandanda, very good this Friday, the Marseillais will have to do without several key elements for the reception Angers. Dimitri Payet, Bouna Sarr and Boubacar Kamara are suspended. And it's not the same team anymore.

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Stade Rennais - OM LIVE: It's over! Marseille shower the Bretons with Strootman and distances itself

• League 1
• Rennais Stadium
• OM
• Rennes
• Marseilles