A correction. In a match that was balanced for a long time, AS Monaco took the upper hand over Olympique de Marseille (3-0) this Saturday afternoon at the Stade Louis II, as part of the 29th matchday of Ligue 1. Monaco, now second, overtook Marseille (temporarily third).
For OM, there's an urgent need: five defeats in their last seven Ligue 5 matches. Roberto De Zerbi must find the right formula in the last five matches to ensure qualification for the Champions League. But with three more goals conceded and very few clear-cut chances, Olympique de Marseille is a cause for concern.
Luis Henrique's failure
The first half was very balanced. Monaco enjoyed more ball possession, but few opportunities were forthcoming. Roberto De Zerbi had chosen to field England's Jonathan Rowe up front to capitalize on his speed. But Ivorian Wilfried Singo consistently proved the liveliest...
Following a shot in the box, Denis Zakaria slipped the ball to Takumi Minamino who opened the scoring in front of the empty net (1-0, 34th). This has the merit of re-energizing the Marseillais, who are more offensive and who are finally showing themselves to be dangerous. Luis Henrique is on the receiving end of a good cross at the far post, All he has to do is take the ball and push it into the back of the net... It's a miss! The ball goes wide. Incredible miss. And certainly the turning point of the match...
Car in the second half, Monaco is generally superior. Better technically, more solid defensively. Adi Hutter's men also know how to score when they need to. Starting on the edge of offside, Breel Embolo puts his foot where it hurts: too many defensive errors on the Marseille side, bad alignment, he beats Geronimo Rulli, no help (2-0, 58th).
OM sinks to the end with less than 10 minutes to go. Another confused move in the box, a high rebound, the Argentinian goalkeeper struggles and jumps, leaning on Breel Embolo, it's a penalty! Denis Zakaria converts it by placing his shot under the bar (3-0, 82th).
The next matches
Monaco is alone in second place in Ligue 1 and will host Strasbourg on Matchday 30 of Ligue 1. A clash that will have the feel of the 2025-2026 Champions League. Next up are trips to Le Havre and Saint-Etienne, teams in the race for survival. They'll host Lyon for another clash, and finally, a trip away. to Bollaert to finish.
Marseille will host Montpellier and then Brest, before traveling to Lille and Le Havre. And finally, they will host Rennes.
