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- Olympique de Marseille beat Lens and strengthen their grip near the top of Ligue 1
Olympique de Marseille beat Lens and strengthen their grip near the top of Ligue 1
A commanding display at the Vélodrome saw Olympique de Marseille assert their authority at home and send a clear message in the Ligue 1 title race.
A ruthless start at the Vélodrome
Olympique de Marseille wasted no time in taking control of the contest, striking almost immediately to set the tone. Just three minutes into the match, Amine Gouiri opened the scoring after a sharp individual move inside the box, capitalizing on a loose ball to beat Brice Samba Risser and ignite the home crowd.
High pressing and relentless intensity defined the early stages for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, suffocating RC Lens and forcing errors as Marseille pushed play deep into the visitors’ half.
Nwaneri shines on debut with a moment of brilliance
Marseille’s dominance soon translated into a second goal. In the 13th minute, teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri, making his first appearance for the club, produced a stunning solo effort. Driving forward from midfield with confidence, the young Englishman finished with composure to make it 2-0.
The goal underlined both the flow of the match and the coaching staff’s faith in Nwaneri, who received a standing ovation after an impressive first-half performance.
Marseille stay in control and extend the lead
Lens attempted to respond after the break, but Marseille remained organized, patient, and defensively solid. Gerónimo Rulli was alert when called upon, ensuring the hosts never lost their grip on the game.
The decisive blow arrived in the 75th minute, once again through Gouiri. A well-worked team move ended with a pinpoint delivery and a close-range finish from the Algerian forward, sealing the 3-0 and completing his brace on a near-perfect night for Marseille’s attack.
Late consolation for Lens
Lens managed to pull one back late on, with Fofana finding the net in the 85th minute after a neatly constructed move. The goal reduced the deficit to 3-1, but it did little to alter the overall narrative.
Despite a brief late push, the visitors were unable to seriously trouble a composed Marseille side that expertly managed the closing stages.
Marseille firmly back in the race
The victory lifts Olympique de Marseille to 38 points, placing them third in Ligue 1 and reinforcing their credentials as genuine contenders in the upper reaches of the table.
Lens, meanwhile, remain second with 43 points, but missed a valuable opportunity to consolidate their position. At the Vélodrome, the message was unmistakable: Marseille are ready to compete at the highest level.
