Marseille remain 10 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain after losing to Nice, while there was also disappointment for Lyon.
Olympique Marseille’s aspirations of challenging Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the Ligue 1 title took a severe blow as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Nice on Sunday. Despite dominating possession, Roberto De Zerbi’s men failed to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving them 10 points adrift of league leaders PSG. The result at the Allianz Riviera all but ended Marseille’s hopes of ending PSG’s dominance in French football.
Nice Outclass Marseille
Nice delivered a clinical performance, spearheaded by the brilliance of Evann Guessand, who scored the opening goal in the 7th minute and later provided an assist for Mohamed-Ali Cho in the 51st minute. The win highlighted Nice’s defensive discipline and attacking efficiency, contrasting sharply with Marseille’s inability to convert their chances.
A 5-star show from Nice against Marseille! pic.twitter.com/Xx5OIlNuOg
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 26, 2025
Marseille boasted 71% possession and 18 shots, but their lack of precision in the final third proved costly. In contrast, Nice managed just seven attempts but found the back of the net twice, showcasing their sharpness and composure in key moments.
Game Recap
The match began with Marseille controlling the tempo, yet it was Nice who struck first. Evann Guessand capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the home side ahead, sending the Allianz Riviera crowd into raptures. Despite Marseille’s relentless efforts to equalize, including Mason Greenwood’s attempts to make an impact, Nice held firm.
In the second half, Mohamed-Ali Cho doubled Nice’s advantage with a sublime finish following a perfectly weighted pass from Guessand. Marseille’s attempts to mount a comeback were thwarted by Nice’s resolute defense, anchored by an impressive Jean-Clair Todibo.
De Zerbi’s Marseille: A Work in Progress
The arrival of high-profile players like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Mason Greenwood, and Adrien Rabiot had raised hopes among Marseille supporters of a potential title challenge. However, Sunday’s defeat exposed the squad’s lack of cohesion and cutting edge in crucial moments.
While Marseille controlled large portions of the game, their inability to break down Nice’s organized defense underscored their limitations. Greenwood, who joined amid significant anticipation, showed glimpses of his potential but struggled to make a decisive impact. Similarly, Adrien Rabiot and Højbjerg failed to provide the midfield dominance needed to unlock Nice’s backline.
De Zerbi’s tactical approach, emphasizing possession and creativity, is evident, but the team’s inefficiency in front of goal and defensive lapses highlight the work that remains.
Ligue 1 Title Race: PSG in Control
PSG’s 1-1 draw with Reims on Saturday provided Marseille with a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top. However, their failure to capitalize on PSG’s slip-up has left them with a mountain to climb. With PSG now 10 points clear, the Parisians are firmly in control of the title race.
For Marseille, the focus may need to shift to securing a Champions League spot. The battle for European qualification is heating up, with Monaco, Lille, Lyon, and Lens all vying for the coveted top-four positions.
Nice’s European Aspirations
Nice’s victory over Marseille was not only significant in ending their opponent’s title hopes but also bolstered their own ambitions of securing European football. The win showcased their growing confidence under coach Francesco Farioli, who has transformed the team into a well-drilled and resilient outfit.
Guessand and Cho’s performances exemplified the attacking potential within Nice’s ranks, while their defensive solidity has made them a tough team to beat this season. With consistent performances like this, Nice could find themselves in contention for a European spot by the end of the campaign.
Matchday 19: Key Results
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, the weekend saw a mix of surprising results and tight contests:
- PSG 1-1 Reims: PSG missed the chance to extend their lead further after a second-half equalizer from Nakamura canceled out Dembele’s opener.
- Monaco 3-2 Rennes: A thrilling contest saw Monaco edge Rennes with goals from Akliouche, Biereth, and Golovin.
- Strasbourg 2-1 Lille: Strasbourg staged a remarkable second-half comeback to secure a crucial victory over Lille.
- Lens 1-0 Angers: Lens continued their impressive form with a narrow victory, courtesy of a Frankowski strike.
Looking Ahead
For Marseille, the immediate priority will be regrouping and addressing the issues laid bare in their defeat to Nice. With key fixtures against direct rivals for Champions League qualification on the horizon, De Zerbi’s side must quickly rediscover their form.
Nice, on the other hand, will aim to build on this momentum and push for a strong finish in the league. With Guessand and Cho in fine form, the team has the potential to challenge for a top-four spot.
PSG extend their lead over Marseille pic.twitter.com/lqqgPIvPwg
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 26, 2025
As the Ligue 1 season progresses, the battle for European places promises to be as intense as ever. While PSG appears destined for another title, the race for Champions League qualification could go down to the wire. For Marseille, Sunday’s defeat was a harsh reminder that there is still work to be done to close the gap to France’s elite.
READ NEXT:
