Rulli Shines for Marseille and Keeps the Title Race Alive
The Argentine goalkeeper was the star performer in Olympique de Marseille’s narrow win over Auxerre, keeping them just two points behind PSG
Olympique de Marseille survived a tough night at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, defeating Auxerre 1–0 thanks to a goal from Ángel Gomes and a monumental performance from Gerónimo Rulli. The Argentine goalkeeper delivered one of his finest displays since joining the club, producing multiple key saves that allowed Roberto De Zerbi’s side to stay within touching distance of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG’s last-minute win over Nice, courtesy of Gonçalo Ramos’ 94th-minute goal, had forced Marseille into a must-win situation to keep pace in the Ligue 1 title race. Despite several absences and visible fatigue, Marseille showed grit and discipline to claim three vital points in a tense encounter.
A Weakened but Brave Marseille
Coach De Zerbi faced the match with up to seven key absences: Balerdi, Gouiri, Kondogbia, Medina, Nadir, Traoré, and Weah were all unavailable, forcing the Italian manager to improvise a lineup full of changes. Even so, Marseille started the game determined to dominate.
The winning goal came half an hour in. Murillo, dangerous down the right flank, slipped past Mensah with a brilliant nutmeg before setting up Ángel Gomes, who finished with a low strike past Donovan Leon. The goal fired up the visitors but also sparked a response from Auxerre, who pushed hard in the second half in search of an equalizer.
Rulli, the Hero Between the Posts
After Ulisses García’s red card, Marseille were reduced to ten men for the final 25 minutes, and that’s when Gerónimo Rulli emerged as the undisputed hero of the night. The Argentine keeper produced crucial saves to deny Osman, Namaso, and Oppegard, preserving a result that hung by a thread.
The team held firm with courage, supported by their goalkeeper’s brilliance and collective effort. With this victory, Olympique de Marseille remain second, just two points behind PSG, proving that even in adversity, they are serious title contenders.
Next up is a crucial challenge: on Wednesday, they’ll host Atalanta in the Champions League, a match where De Zerbi hopes to recover some of his key players and build on the solid foundation once again personified by Gerónimo Rulli.
