On April 23, 2011, Olympique Marseille faced Montpellier in a Ligue 1 match at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Marseille secured a crucial 2-1 victory, maintaining their push for the Ligue 1 title.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Olympique Marseille: 2 (Mathieu Valbuena 14′, Taye Taiwo 56′ (pen.))
- Montpellier: 1 (Olivier Giroud 64′)
- Possession:
- Olympique Marseille dominated possession with 61%, while Montpellier had 39%. Marseille’s control of the game allowed them to dictate the pace, particularly in midfield.
- Shots:
- Olympique Marseille registered 13 shots, with 5 on target, showing their attacking intent and efficiency in creating chances. Montpellier had 8 shots, with 4 on target, but they struggled to break down Marseille’s defense for most of the match.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Olympique Marseille had a high passing accuracy of 86%, completing 450 passes out of 522 attempts. Montpellier had a passing accuracy of 75%, completing 245 passes out of 327 attempts. Marseille’s superior passing allowed them to control the flow of the game and build attacks patiently.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Marseille made 16 tackles compared to Montpellier’s 12, reflecting their defensive solidity and commitment to winning back possession. Marseille’s defense, led by Souleymane Diawara and Stéphane Mbia, was solid throughout the match, limiting Montpellier to few clear-cut chances.
- Set Pieces:
- Marseille’s first goal came from open play when Mathieu Valbuena opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a well-placed shot after a precise through ball. The second goal came in the 56th minute when Taye Taiwo converted a penalty following a foul in the box. Montpellier pulled one back through Olivier Giroud in the 64th minute, who headed in from close range after a cross from the right.
- Individual Performances:
- Mathieu Valbuena was the standout performer for Marseille, scoring the opening goal and providing energy and creativity in midfield. Taye Taiwo also played a key role, scoring the decisive penalty and contributing defensively. For Montpellier, Olivier Giroud was the most dangerous player, scoring their only goal and consistently threatening Marseille’s defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Olympique Marseille, under Didier Deschamps, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and utilizing the wings to create chances. Montpellier, managed by René Girard, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, but struggled to maintain possession and create sustained pressure against Marseille’s organized defense. Marseille’s tactical approach allowed them to dominate key areas of the pitch and convert their chances effectively.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Montpellier (Younès Belhanda 35′, Cyril Jeunechamp 74′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing Marseille from extending their lead.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Olympique Marseille won 7 corners compared to Montpellier’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage and pressure in the attacking third. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to stretch the opposition’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Olympique Marseille’s 2-1 victory over Montpellier at the Stade Vélodrome was a hard-fought win that kept them in the hunt for the Ligue 1 title. Mathieu Valbuena opened the scoring early with a well-taken goal, setting the tone for Marseille’s performance. Taye Taiwo’s penalty in the second half doubled the lead, and despite Montpellier pulling one back through Olivier Giroud, Marseille held on to secure all three points.
Marseille’s control of possession, combined with their defensive solidity and effective use of set pieces, was key to their success. The victory was crucial in maintaining their challenge for the Ligue 1 title, as they continued to apply pressure on their rivals at the top of the table.
Montpellier, while competitive, struggled to impose themselves against a well-organized Marseille side. Olivier Giroud’s goal gave them hope, but they were unable to find an equalizer as Marseille’s defense stood firm.
The match highlighted Marseille’s ability to manage games effectively and convert key moments into goals, characteristics that were vital in their pursuit of the Ligue 1 title. The victory kept Marseille within touching distance of the top spot, while Montpellier remained in the mid-table, reflecting their inconsistent form throughout the season.
