THE MATCH

Having lost 3-1 at home to Nantes the previous weekend OM were in need of this result and it marked a welcome return to top form for their main source of goals. Nîmes had won their last three home games so this was a tough test for the visitors and one they came through despite falling behind when Zinedine Ferhat (5') scored the opening goal for Les Crocodiles. Steve Mandanda saved from Nolan Roux and Ferhat followed up to score.

Benedetto equalised with a side-footed finish at the back post after excellent work from Bouna Sarr (10') and then fired the visitors ahead (36') when Dimitri Payet played a ball in behind the defence and the Argentinian finished adroitly with a clipped shot. VAR ruled that the striker was onside when he began his run.

Nîmes pushed hard and Sidy Sarr went close to finding the back of the net (52') and the home team looked the likelier side to score before Benedetto (69') scored his third of the night. Nîmes didn't deal with a Payet free-kick and it fell for Benedetto to finish from close range.

In the 82^nd minute a combination of Mandanda and the post denied Nîmes a goal back .  The home side did give themselves hope in added time (90+2') s Lucas Deaux headed in a Yassine Benrahou corner. It was OM's night, however, as they increased their advantage over third-placed Rennes to 11 points.

THE PLAYER: Dario Benedetto

Having failed to score at all in 2020 apart from a goal at Lille, Benedetto proved his worth to the Marseille public as the former Boca Juniors man netted a triple. He is better on his travels than at home and has netted nine times away from Orange Vélodrome.

THE STAT: 8

OM are unbeaten in their last eight away games, winning six and drawing two. The last time they managed this was when they went 11 unbeaten in 2015-2016.