How and Where to Watch: Brest vs Marseille in the Ligue 1 on beIN SPORTS
A new coach, recent turmoil, and Champions League hopes on the line set the stage for a crucial Ligue 1 showdown.
Olympique de Marseille heads into a must-win Ligue 1 clash against Stade Brest amid major changes behind the scenes and mounting pressure to stay in the race for European qualification.
For a brief moment last weekend, Marseille supporters believed a difficult stretch was finally coming to an end. The team was seconds away from securing a 2-1 victory over Strasbourg at the Stade Vélodrome, which would have offered some relief after a brutal week that included a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and the departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Late collapse deepens crisis
Instead, an injury-time penalty allowed Strasbourg to equalize 2-2, marking another costly late setback. Marseille has now dropped nine points in second-half stoppage time this Ligue 1 season — a deficit that could ultimately prove decisive in the battle for next season’s UEFA Champions League spots.
The turmoil continued off the pitch the following day when sporting director Medhi Benatia also exited the club, adding to the sense of instability surrounding the team.
Habib Beye takes charge
On Thursday, Habib Beye was appointed as the new head coach. The former defender arrives as a controversial figure after a turbulent spell with Rennes, where he was dismissed following poor results and reported tensions with key players.
Beye’s immediate mission is clear: guide Marseille back into Ligue 1’s top three and secure Champions League qualification. The task is urgent, with the in-form Lens, Paris Saint-Germain, and Lyon currently occupying those coveted positions, five points ahead of Marseille.
“I am ready. I don’t consider that the team is sick. It’s a question of form,” Beye said during his official presentation on Thursday. That form must improve quickly if Marseille hopes to close the gap on the leading pack.
Their recovery mission begins Friday against a midtable Brest side, in a match that could prove pivotal for the club’s ambitions this season.
Friday, February 20
2:35 PM ET / 11:35 AM PT
Stade Brest vs. Olympique de Marseille — LIVE on beIN SPORTS
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