Maurizio Sarri has regrets after Lazio were pegged back 2-2 by Olympique Marseille, but ultimately the Europa League draw in France was ‘a positive result.’
Arkadiusz Milik had converted a penalty to put the hosts in front at the Stade Velodrome, cancelled out by Felipe Anderson deep into first half stoppages.
Ciro Immobile then turned it around completely by pouncing on a defensive error, but along with hitting the woodwork twice, Marseille snatched the late equaliser through Dimitri Payet.
“It was a difficult match. Olympique are a very technical side, they caused us problems and we conceded the equaliser when we seemed to have the game in hand,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s disappointing we didn’t go all the way with the victory, even though looking at the table it makes little difference, as we still need to win the last two games.”
Lazio had also drawn 0-0 with Marseille at the Stadio Olimpico a couple of weeks ago.
This result leaves them second in their Europa League group with five points, behind Galatasaray on eight, while Marseille have four.
“In the first half, we were somewhere between pressing and not pressing, which did damage. Either you do it or you don’t. We were too late to start the press, which ruined all our movements,” complained Sarri.
“We stepped up after the break, passed better, but the performance confirms this team is improving.
“Getting a draw here is a positive result, we had some early difficulties, got the game in hand, but when we sit too deep, we become vulnerable.
“I want my team to have more courage in our passing out from the back when the opposition is pressing, because we were too timid in that tonight.”
Decent result all things considered. It also means Lazio have a better head-to-head v Marseille should they finish level on points. 4 points from the final two games should be enungh for Lazio
@Ferban. Since the away goals rule no longer applies it two-legged ties would it apply here?