OM’s European Hopes Diminish After Frustrating Draw at Nantes
Olympique de Marseille’s hopes of securing a European spot next season suffered a setback following a 1-1 draw away at FC Nantes on Friday evening. Despite a solid performance, the Phocéens were left frustrated after failing to capitalize on their dominance in the match.
Marseille goalkeeper and captain Steve Mandanda expressed his dissatisfaction with the result after the final whistle, speaking to the media in the mixed zone. The 35-year-old shot-stopper made it clear that the team was disappointed with the outcome, especially given the nature of the goal they conceded.
“We can be disappointed with the way this match played out,” Mandanda said. “We had good control of the game, didn’t concede many chances, but we conceded a goal when we least expected it.”
Marseille had looked the more composed side for much of the game, dictating play and limiting Nantes’ opportunities. However, they were undone by a late goal, leaving them with only one point instead of the crucial three they had been hoping for to close the gap on Lyon in the race for Europe.
“It was important to win to get back on level terms with Lyon, but we’re in a tough season, and we’re paying the price,” Mandanda added, acknowledging the difficulty of the season for OM. With just a few matches left in the campaign, the draw further complicates their path to European qualification.
Mandanda, who has been a key figure for the team throughout the season, remains determined to finish the campaign strongly despite the setback. “Let’s play our last three matches before we take stock,” he said, urging his teammates to focus on the remaining fixtures and not give up hope of securing a European spot.
With the season drawing to a close, Marseille’s fate now rests on their performances in the final stretch. The team will need to find consistency in their upcoming matches to maintain their push for a place in European competition next season.
