This Wednesday the Gym were defeated in Marseille in a postponed game from matchday 11 of L1 (3-2).

The opportunity was there. It was a promising derby. After an impressive performance in which they were unfortunate at the Parc des Princes (2-1 defeat), the Gym had the opportunity to take advantage of their game in hand and find the consistency they’ve been lacking all season.

The chance went begging. The derby took flight too late into the game after a phenomenal substitute performance from Sellouki who scored his first professional game a few moments after coming on (87’ 3-2). It nearly set his side on their way to a draw. A post and an unfortunate bounce off Mandanda right at the end after a Gouiri free kick (90+5’) were what denied Gym the draw.

It was a Gym side that were poor in the first half in a 4-3-3 formation with Bambu and Nsoki in the centre of defence (with Todibo and Saliba both ineligible), Trouillet as left winger in place of Myziane who suffered a hamstring injury. The rouge et bleu 11 suffered from it in the first 45. That Marseille domination was shown by two goals, first from Gonzalez from a corner (14’, 1-0) and Khaoui just before the break (44’, 2-0).

After coming out for the second half the Aiglons came out swinging. They also made a change to the line-up with Schneiderlin coming on for Trouillet and taking his place in front of the defence, with Boudaoui in the box to box role and Claude-Maurice down the left hand side of the attack. Gouiri nipped in at the front post to turn Boudaoui’s cross home to reduce the deficit (2-1, 47’). Unfortunately Khaoui scored his second of the game after a free kick that wasn’t dealt with correctly (3-1, 54’). Gouiri missed a massive chance by hitting just wide in front of Mandanda (60’), the Niçois had to wait to the end of the game to set the game alight. Sellouki reduced the deficit once more by scoring from Gouiri’s cross (3-2, 86’) and it nearly created the perfect ending.

The Aiglons, 14th in L1 now have three days’ rest before facing FC Metz Sunday (matchday 26 at 15:00).

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