Guy Davies
- Aug 9, 2021
- 3 min read

Big comeback from Marseille as Clermont lead table after opening weekend

Yesterday's Ligue fixtures saw some exciting matches, interesting results and plenty of goals. Clermont Foot had a great start to life in France's top division with a 2 - 0 win at Bordeaux. It's a huge result for such a small club with a squad of little experience of top tier football. Clermont dominated the game with more possession and shots on goal. Striker Mohamed Bayo, Clermont's top scorer from Ligue 2 last season, opened the scoring on 82 minutes before Jodel Dossou wrapped things up in stoppage time. A great start for the team from Auvergne and a disastrous one for Bordeaux. Despite being saved from being relegated due to financial issues things are not good for Les Bordelais on or off the pitch.

On a day where there were plenty of draws (see results below) Angers and Marseille were the only teams other than Clermont and PSG to win this weekend. Angers had a great 2 - 0 win of their own at Strasbourg. The first half saw great finishes by each side, Fulgini for Angers and Diallo for Strasbourg, with both correctly being ruled out for offside. It was a close game of few chances but Angers scored with the only two shots on goal they had. A fantastic opening to life in the Loire for new Manager Gérald Baticle, ironically against the club he served as Captain with distinction in the 90s.

The evening game saw Marseille pull back a 2 - 0 deficit to win with three second half goals. Dimitri Payet has been inspirational since Manager Jorge sampaoli took over the team. After new signing Cengiz Ünder pulled one back for OM it was Payet who equalised from a free kick then scored a brilliant winner. Payet used his skill to beat three players and find the bottom corner. L'OM had started well in the game, dominated possession and creating chances. Montpellier have quality though and caused problems with their quick counter attacks. An own goal forced by Andy Delort and a screamer from Gaetan Laborde put Montpellier fully in control at half time. Marseille's inexperience showed at times particularly in defence. Their was however a lot of grit in that performance from a young side with lots of new players. The new wingers, Konrad De La Fuente on the left and Ünder on the right were particularly exciting showing plenty of pace and skill to cause the home side problems. They look to be a great addition to the team and will have gained confidence with their performances. De La Fuente set up Ünder's first goal in a Marseille shirt after a good run. Guendouzi, who I hadn't expected to play through injury was bright in midfield but could do with someone more experienced alongside him than Gerson. The young Brazilian clearly has skill but its going to take time for him to develop and adapt to the French League. There is a lot more to come from Sampaoli's team but it is very exciting to watch. The match was marred by fans throwing objects on to the pitch. The referee had to stop the game for a period late in the game. That spoiled what was otherwise a very good advert for French Football.