Monaco 2-0 Marseille: Brilliant Brunner scores twice in statement Ligue 1 win

Paris Brunner's first goals in Ligue 1 helped Monaco go top of the early-season table, as he helped himself to a brace in Sunday's 2-0 win over Marseille.

The 20-year-old – who already had two Conference League play-off goals to his name in 2026-27 – beat Jeffrey de Lange with a downward header in the first half, then scored an exceptional solo goal in the second as Monaco preserved their 100% record under Filipe Luis.

An inch-perfect cross from Aleksandr Golovin led to Brunner's opening goal in the 13th minute, with the German escaping CJ Egan-Riley to nod into the bottom-right corner.

He almost doubled up with a half-volley that was kept out by De Lange, with Marseille looking uninspired at the other end as they failed to register a shot on target before half-time.

Visiting captain Timothy Weah hit the outside of the post from a tight angle early in the second period, and the subsequent goal-kick led to Monaco doubling their lead. 

Eric Dier's long punt forward bounced into the right channel, and Brunner scampered forward before sitting Geoffrey Kondogbia down with a neat turn. Another feint then threw the covering Egan-Riley off balance, allowing Brunner to stroke into the far corner on his left foot.

Marseille bossed possession for long periods at 2-0 down, but Monaco went closer to adding a third goal through Stanis Idumbo, as Bruno Genesio suffered the first loss of his reign.

Brunner's big break

This was a true breakout performance from Brunner, who came through Borussia Dortmund's youth system before joining Monaco in 2024, subsequently spending time out on loan at Cercle Brugge.

With Ansu Fati and Matthis Abline both injured and Folarin Balogun continuing to be linked with a transfer, Brunner took his chance to lead the line – he led all players on the pitch for shots (five), shots on target (three), expected goals (1.11 xG) and touches in the opposing penalty area (eight).

He also won seven of the 13 duels he contested, including two successful dribbles, showing some sensational footwork to beat two Marseille defenders for his second goal.

Monaco have now won their opening two matches in three of the last four Ligue 1 seasons, as often as they accomplished that feat in their previous 22 top-flight campaigns.

Marseille have lost six of their last eight away games in Ligue 1 (W2), and this defeat halted a six-match winning streak on the road for Genesio, with all those victories coming during his time with Lille.