Marseille regain momentum at the top

Olympique de Marseille are back at the summit of Ligue 1 after a commanding 3–0 win over bottom-placed FC Metz. Roberto De Zerbi’s side maintained their impressive form heading into the international break, combining fluid play with clinical finishing to secure another vital three points.

Metz, still without a home win this season, came into the match under heavy pressure and despite showing moments of resistance in the first half, they were unable to match the visitors’ pace and creativity.

Paixão breaks the deadlock, O’Riley shines

The first half saw Marseille dominate possession, creating multiple chances through Mason Greenwood and young prospect Robinio Vaz. However, it was early in the second half when the breakthrough finally arrived.

Igor Paixão opened the scoring in the 51st minute after being played in by Vaz, with his deflected shot catching Metz goalkeeper Fischer off guard. The goal settled Marseille, who began to move the ball with even greater confidence.

Shortly after, Matt O’Riley doubled the lead with a beautifully curled strike into the top corner, his first goal for OM and following a clever assist from substitute Amine Gouiri.

Gouiri seals the victory

With the match under control, De Zerbi rotated his squad, introducing Leonardo Balerdi, Michael Murillo, and Bilal Nadir to maintain intensity. Metz attempted to respond through counterattacks led by Habib Diallo, but were denied by the sharp reflexes of Gerónimo Rulli.

The final blow came in the 76th minute when Gouiri, who had assisted O’Riley’s goal, got his reward with a composed finish to make it 3–0. Marseille’s technical superiority and depth proved too much for a struggling Metz side that couldn’t keep up.

De Zerbi’s winning record continues

Roberto De Zerbi has now won 60% of his Ligue 1 matches with Marseille, the best record for any coach in the club’s recent history. His tactical flexibility, use of youth, and integration of signings like O’Riley and Paixão have made OM one of the most balanced and exciting teams in France.

As Marseille head into the break sitting top of the table, the message is clear: this is a side capable of going all the way.