Mason Greenwood also starred for the French side, opening the scoring after just five minutes after a defensive howler from the Premier League visitors.

But Unai Emery's Villa hit back almost immediately, John McGinn pulling off a deft chip to beat goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and level the scores on eight minutes.

It remained 1-1 at half-time, but it was Marseille that largely dominated the second stanza, and Aubameyang came off the bench to seal the result, much to the delight of the home fans.

The 36-year-old returned to the club on a free transfer a year after leaving, and wasted no time getting back to what he does best.

First he sent a flying volley into the back of the net on 76 minutes and then three minutes later, he was on hand to tap home as Greenwood turned provider inside the box to seal a solid result for Marseille.

Tempers frayed in the second period as both sides let emotions get the better of them, and when Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi squared up to Emery on the touchline, it seemed this encounter was anything but a friendly.

But it all ended in handshakes at the end as both sides took away valuable information ahead of their respective new seasons.

Marseille begins its Ligue 1 campaign next weekend with a trip to Rennes, while Villa will play one more friendly against Villarreal on Monday (AEST) before starting its Premier League season at home against Newcastle United.