Marseille cement grip on second spot in Ligue 1

Roberto De Zerbi's team were on top throughout at the Stade Raymond Kopa but had to wait until the 69th minute to take the lead when Adrien Rabiot headed in Amine Gouiri's corner. They scored their second five minutes later as substitute Neal Maupay played a one-two with Gouiri before finishing for his fourth goal since signing from Everton at the start of the season.

Rabiot's contribution is more remarkable, with the French international midfielder suddenly becoming a serious goal threat and scoring his third header in the last five matches. Gouiri, meanwhile, made a decisive impact on his first start since signing from Rennes in the January transfer window, while Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer also impressed on his debut after joining on loan from AC Milan.

"He played as if he has been playing with us for two or three years, when he only arrived three days ago," De Zerbi said of Bennacer. "We really played like a top team." Marseille have won nine of their 11 away matches this season and this result sees them move six points clear of both Nice and Monaco, who lead the chasing pack.

The gap to PSG, however, remains a daunting 10 points, with the reigning champions looking unstoppable now after an impressive 4-1 win over Monaco on Friday. "We also need to look in front. If we don't have the ambition to aim higher, we could end up being frustrated or even humiliated," De Zerbi insisted.

"We obviously might not fulfil our objectives, but that doesn't matter." PSG's victory over Monaco set them up nicely for Tuesday's Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg against French rivals Brest, a tie they are overwhelming favourites to win.

 

February 9, 2025