Olympique de Marseille secured a narrow 1-0 win over AS Monaco in Ligue 1's 16th round at the Stade Vélodrome. Mason Greenwood netted the winner in the 82nd minute from a team move with Paixão and Højbjerg. The result underscores Marseille's grit amid defensive vulnerabilities.
The Ligue 1 clash between Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco, closing the 16th round, ended in a 1-0 win for the home side at the Stade Vélodrome. Marseille dominated early, launching waves of attacks in the first 25 minutes and pinning Monaco back in their own half. The visitors, slow to awaken, miraculously avoided conceding in the opening period.
Mason Greenwood proved indispensable once more. Fresh off a brace in the Champions League against Union SG (3-2 win), the Englishman unleashed a powerful left-footed shot in the 82nd minute to spark the Vélodrome, capping a fluid team play with Paixão and Højbjerg. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg excelled in midfield, winning 7 balls and completing 88% of his passes, including the key one to Greenwood. Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli made 5 vital saves, including a 90th-minute stop on Mika Biereth, with Nayef Aguerd clearing the rebound. Aguerd, however, struggled with errors, losing 12 balls and mishandling several clearances.
Monaco's dismal start was telling. Geoffrey Kondogbia was woeful, misplacing 8 balls without a shot and substituted at halftime for O’Riley. Referee Monsieur Letexier's decisions drew ire: two Monaco goals disallowed for debatable offsides, unchecked by VAR, and an uncalled handball by Salisu in the 71st minute on Greenwood's effort. The win bolsters Marseille's league standing, while Monaco suffers from its lapses.
