Sports
Marseille Held to a Draw by Strasbourg in Dramatic Finish
Marseille were left frustrated at the Stade Velodrome after a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Jeremy Sebas earned Strasbourg a 1-1 draw.
Samuel Gigot’s third-minute header looked to be enough for Gennaro Gattuso’s side until Sebas struck with his first senior goal to earn the visitors a hard-fought point.
Marseille’s opener came as Jordan Veretout’s innocuous-looking cross into the box was flicked on by Vitinha to Gigot, who seemingly had all the time in the world to nod the ball past Strasbourg keeper Matz Sells. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, before the VAR overruled the initial call and gave Marseille the best possible start.
There were chances for both sides thereafter, as Pau Lopez was alert to push away Kevin Gameiro’s strike and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was denied an opportunity to double the hosts’ advantage when he headed over from Vitinha’s sublime cross.
Veretout almost played a pivotal role in helping Marseille to a second when his shot was blocked by Marvin Senaya, who nearly diverted the ball into his own net before eventually clearing away the danger. However, Patrick Vieira’s side were acquitting themselves well against their illustrious hosts and were enjoying the bulk of possession without having a cutting edge.
Dilane Bakwa saw his attempt rattle the woodwork late on, and it looked like being one of those days for them until the first minute of stoppage time. A poor defensive header from Jonathan Clauss was brilliantly punished by Sebas with his clinical strike in the box, earning the visitors a well-deserved shared of the spoils. It could have been even better for Strasbourg when Moise Dion raced through moments later, but his angled strike flashed across the face of goal.
The result leaves Marseille in fifth, three points adrift of Brest in the top four, while Strasbourg are now unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions and sit ninth.
Both teams now turn their attention to the Coupe de France, as Marseille travel to Rennes on January 21 and Strasbourg play away at Clermont on the same day.
