Florian THAUVIN of Marseille misses a penalty during the Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Nimes at Stade Velodrome on January 16, 2021 in Marseille, France.
PARIS — Florian Thauvin fluffed a penalty and Marseille paid the price as it was stunned at home by struggling Nimes 2-1 in the French league on Saturday.
Thauvin sent goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet the wrong way from the spot but his shot went over the crossbar in the 35th minute. Moments later, Reynet saved striker Dario Benedetto’s tame shot from close range with his foot.
Marseille was punished for those misses when Swedish midfielder Niclas Eliasson struck twice in quick succession early in the second half for Nimes to move off the bottom and into 18th place.
Benedetto pulled a goal back with five minutes left.
Right back Pol Lirola started his first game for Marseille since joining on loan from Italian side Fiorentina but the home side's defence looked shaky without injured goalie Steve Mandanda.
🔚 Final whistle! #OMNO
— Ligue1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 16, 2021
First win in the last 9 games for @nimesolympique 🐊🙌 pic.twitter.com/R5ISWPbE5V
Later Saturday, PSG was without coach Mauricio Pochettino for the trip to Angers after he tested positive for the coronavirus. A win would move PSG into first place ahead of Lyon, which hosts midtable Metz on Sunday.