|
A second-half Milenko Acimovic goal cancelled out Koke’s first-half opener as Lille claimed a draw away to Marseille on Saturday.
Deprived of striker Mamadou Niang, Marseille Coach Jean Fernandez could however count on the services of in-form midfielder Franck Ribéry in a bid to end a run of two straight defeats.
And it was the home side that opened the brighter and they should have found themselves in front inside the quarter-hour when Ribéry set-up Niang’s understudy, Christian Gimenez, six-yards, however the Italo-Argentine completely fluffed his shot.
Then, on 29 minutes, another moment of Ribéry magic brought an otherwise well-organised Lille defence unstuck with a delightful chip into the area.
Spanish winger Koke controlled the ball with his chest before slamming home the half-volley from a tightening angle on the right, for his first goal of the campaign.
However, the lead could have lasted less than two minutes.
For the second home game since his return from a six-month ban goalkeeper Fabien Barthez appeared to benefit from some generous refereeing. The France number one launched himself at Lille captain Tafforeau inside the area and the studs of his right boot clearly made contact with the inside of Tafforeau’s thigh, however the referee waved play on.
The visitors emerged from the changing-rooms with more purpose after the break and were deservedly level on 51 minutes via the Slovenian Acimovic.
Matt Moussilou did the lead-up work before cutting the ball back to Acimovic who had all the time in the world to beat Barthez.
The goal seemed to sow the seeds of doubt in the minds of the Marseille players and Claude Puel’s side could have claimed all three points as Moussilou, Acimovic and Peter Odemwingie all carved out presentable chances.
The result sees Lille climb up one spot to fourth ahead of Saturday’s later games while Marseille, playing their fifth game in 13 days, remain in ninth.
|
