Olympique de Marseille took a significant step backward in its goal of establishing itself among the main Ligue 1 title contenders after losing its first match of 2026 at the Stade Vélodrome against FC Nantes. The visitors, who played for more than an hour with a two-man advantage, secured their fourth win of the season and took a crucial step toward escaping the relegation zone.

Marseille lose ground in Ligue 1

The team coached by Roberto De Zerbi lost momentum in the title race in a match marked by indiscipline. Before the half-hour mark, Marseille were reduced to ten men following a straight red card for Arthur Vermeeren. Early in the second half, the situation worsened when Bilal Nadir received a second yellow card, leaving the hosts with just nine players.

It was an opportunity Nantes could not afford to miss. Sitting third from bottom in the standings, the Canaries had not won since October 24, going seven matches without a victory, but managed to triumph in one of the toughest away fixtures of the season.

The opening goal came shortly after the first dismissal. Junior Mwanga set up Matthis Abline, whose shot was saved by Gerónimo Rulli, leaving Fabien Centonze to tap home the rebound and make it 0–1.

Despite their efforts, Marseille’s response never paid off. The second sending-off effectively sealed the outcome, and late in the match a foul inside the box by Benjamin Pavard was punished with a penalty. Rémy Cabella converted from the spot to secure the win for Nantes.

With this result, Nantes move to within one point of Le Havre, who currently mark the safety line. Marseille, meanwhile, remain four points behind Paris Saint-Germain with a game in hand, and eight points off leaders RC Lens, as their title challenge becomes increasingly complicated.