Olympique de Marseille fell 2-1 to RC Lens in Ligue 1's ninth matchday, losing their lead to PSG. The Phocéens, already defeated in the Champions League midweek, saw Benjamin Pavard involved in both Lens goals. Lens becomes PSG's runner-up after Paris's earlier win in Brest.
Marseille, leaders before this ninth matchday, started ideally at Bollaert. Mason Greenwood, in dazzling form after his quadruple against Le Havre (6-2) the previous week, opened the scoring with a curled right-footed shot in the 17th minute, bringing his Ligue 1 tally to seven goals this season. Repositioned as number 10, the Englishman embodied Marseille's early dominance.
However, just five minutes later, at the 22nd minute, Benjamin Pavard, the summer's star signing, fouled Odsonne Édouard, conceding a penalty. The Lens forward converted it with a subtle panenka, reigniting the contest. Pavard's misfortune continued in the second half: at the 53rd minute, he inadvertently deflected an opposing cross into his own net, sealing the 2-1 defeat.
Roberto De Zerbi and his players, coming off a 2-1 loss to Sporting in the Champions League on Wednesday, suffered a harsh blow. Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli shone late, saving an effort from revanchard ex-Marseillais Florian Thauvin at the 90th+2. In the standings, OM drops to third, behind PSG, who won 3-0 in Brest, and RC Lens, the new runner-up.
This tough week highlights the volatility at the top of Ligue 1, where Marseille had taken the lead after five unbeaten matches.