Mason Greenwood’s 71st-minute header proved to be the decisive moment as Olympique de Marseille managed to salvage a 2-2 draw against a resilient Stade de Reims in an intense Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Vélodrome. The match, marked by high drama and a relentless pace, saw both teams leave everything on the pitch, ultimately sharing the spoils in what was an action-packed affair.
Olympique de Marseille, confident after their emphatic win over Brest, aimed to continue their momentum under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi. They started brightly, and in the 25th minute, Amine Harit capitalized on a well-delivered cross from Quentin Merlin, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving Reims’ goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf with no chance.
Marseille’s Strong Start: Harit’s Early Strike
The early goal set the tone for Marseille, who continued to press for a second. Elye Wahi, another of Marseille’s key attackers, had multiple opportunities to extend the lead but was thwarted by a combination of wayward finishing and exceptional goalkeeping from Diouf. Reims, however, were not content to sit back and absorb pressure. Despite their defensive struggles away from home—having kept just one clean sheet in their last 22 top-flight away matches—they managed to stay within reach, thanks in part to a stunning goal-line clearance by their own Joseph Okumu.
As the first half came to a close, it appeared as though Marseille would head into the break with a comfortable lead. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the second half as Reims emerged with renewed vigor. Their resilience, which had been a hallmark of their play despite their early season struggles, was on full display as they quickly turned the match on its head. In the 51st minute, Sergio Akieme stunned the Vélodrome crowd with an unstoppable strike from the edge of the box, finding the near post and leveling the score. The goal was a testament to Reims’ fighting spirit and served as a wake-up call for Marseille, who had become somewhat complacent after taking the lead.
Reims continued their onslaught just four minutes later, with Yaya-Kader Fofana producing a moment of individual brilliance. Fofana, making his first Ligue 1 start, took on Marseille’s entire right side with a dazzling solo run before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot past Gerónimo Rulli. The Ivorian winger’s effort left the Marseille defense flat-footed and put Reims in the driver’s seat, sending shockwaves through the Vélodrome.
Reims’ quickfire double left Marseille on the brink of their first home defeat of the season. Desperate for an equalizer, their best chance came when Jonathan Rowe hit the woodwork. In the 71st minute, Mason Greenwood, reacting to a rebound after Diouf parried Quentin Merlin’s shot, headed the ball into the net, restoring parity and sparking relief and joy among the Marseille fans, as the team avoided a potential loss.
Despite the momentum swinging back in Marseille’s favor following Greenwood’s equalizer, neither side could find a decisive goal in the remaining minutes. Both teams had opportunities, but the defenses held firm, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. This result marked the first time these two teams have shared the points since December 2021, highlighting the closely contested nature of their recent encounters.
For Olympique de Marseille, the draw represents a missed opportunity to build on their strong start to the season. While the point keeps them unbeaten, it also serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead for Roberto De Zerbi and his squad. The team’s inability to maintain their lead and their defensive lapses in the second half will be areas of concern as they look to challenge for a top spot in Ligue 1.
On the other hand, Stade de Reims can take pride in their resilient performance. Despite being on the back foot for much of the first half, they showed great character to fight back and nearly secure an unlikely victory. The quickfire goals from Akieme and Fofana demonstrated their potential to cause problems for any team in the league. However, their search for a first league win of the season continues, and they will need to address their defensive frailties if they are to climb the table.
As the season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly reflect on this match as a pivotal moment. For Marseille, it’s a reminder that every point is hard-earned in Ligue 1, and for Reims, it’s proof that resilience and determination can yield results even in the toughest of circumstances. The 2-2 draw at the Stade Vélodrome may not have provided a winner, but it certainly delivered a spectacle that will be remembered by fans of both teams.
