Olympique de Marseille Climbs to Ligue 1 Top Three After Defeating FC Metz
Olympique de Marseille has successfully ascended to the top three of Ligue 1 following a decisive 3-1 victory over the struggling FC Metz, who currently sit at the bottom of the league. This triumph marks an impressive continuation of their unbeaten streak against Metz, extending it to 11 matches—five wins and six draws in their last encounters.
Despite a recent decline in form that had jeopardized their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes, Marseille seized the chance to revive their aspirations in front of a home crowd against a side that has struggled throughout the season. The match began with a flourish for the hosts, who found the net just before the 15-minute mark.
As FC Metz pushed players forward for a set-piece, they were swiftly countered. Mason Greenwood played a crucial role, delivering a precise pass to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker managed to slot the ball into the top-left corner, even as he stumbled during the strike. Aubameyang nearly doubled his tally midway through the first half, but his effort was disallowed due to a marginal offside ruling after a clever run onto a through ball from Quinten Timber.
Dominating possession and creating chances throughout the first half, Marseille saw Metz come perilously close to equalizing as Gauthier Hein hit the post just before the halftime whistle. However, upon resumption for the second half, Marseille picked up where they left off, doubling their lead in similar fashion to their opener.
This time, a corner for Metz transitioned into a swift counterattack. Greenwood again was instrumental, racing into the opposing half and setting up Igor Paixão, who executed a delicate chip over Pape Sy to net Marseille’s second goal. However, Metz responded quickly when Giorgi Tsitaishvili was afforded too much space in the box. After cutting inside from the right, his shot slipped through the legs of goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, halving the deficit for Metz.
As the match progressed, Marseille continued to push for more goals, with Aubameyang being thwarted from a tight angle. Timber also came close, firing just over the bar. In the dying moments of the match, the hosts sealed their victory with a third goal. Amine Gouiri delivered a perfectly timed assist to Hamed Traorè, who fired home, ensuring Marseille earned all three points. Coach Habib Beye, despite celebrating the win, may feel concern regarding his squad’s inability to convert more chances efficiently.
This victory denotes Marseille’s fourth under Beye’s management, keeping their hopes alive for UEFA Champions League football next season. As for FC Metz, they now find themselves eight points adrift of the relegation playoff spot with only five matches remaining, as their chances of avoiding a direct drop back to Ligue 2 appear increasingly bleak.
Flashscore Man of the Match was awarded to Mason Greenwood, whose impactful performance played a vital role in Marseille’s success.
