Marseille missed a golden opportunity to stay in close contention for the Ligue 1 title, managing only a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday. The result leaves Roberto De Zerbi’s team nine points adrift of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who secured a 2-1 win over Lens the day before.
Match Recap
Strasbourg Strike First
The visitors took a surprise lead in the 23rd minute. Emanuel Emegha capitalized on a perfectly weighted pass from Andrey Santos, displaying composure to loft the ball over Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. The early strike stunned the home crowd and set the tone for a frustrating first half for the hosts.
Marseille’s Struggles
Marseille failed to register a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes despite dominating possession. Their attacking efforts were consistently stifled by Strasbourg’s disciplined defense, leaving the home side visibly frustrated heading into the break.
Second-Half Resurgence
De Zerbi’s side came out with renewed intensity after halftime. Luis Henrique rattled the crossbar just after the hour mark, signaling Marseille’s growing threat. Substitute Jonathan Rowe made an immediate impact, forcing a save from Strasbourg’s Djordje Petrovic within minutes of his introduction.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Robinio Vaz was fouled in the box by Andrey Santos. Mason Greenwood stepped up to convert the penalty, marking his 12th league goal of the season and pulling Marseille level.
Late Drama
Marseille pushed for a winner, but it was Strasbourg who nearly snatched victory late on. Emegha, already on the scoresheet, struck the woodwork in the dying minutes, leaving both sides to settle for a point.
Key Statistics
- Expected Goals (xG): Marseille 2.91 – Strasbourg 0.84
- Shots: Marseille 18 – Strasbourg 8
- Shots on Target: Marseille 3 – Strasbourg 2
- Big Chances Missed: Marseille 5
Player Highlights
Mason Greenwood
Greenwood was Marseille’s standout performer, scoring the crucial equalizer and consistently threatening Strasbourg’s defense. He has now been involved in 15 goals this Ligue 1 season (12 goals, 3 assists), his best-ever tally in a league campaign. Notably, Greenwood had 12 touches in Strasbourg’s box—matching the entire visiting team’s total.
Emanuel Emegha
The Dutch forward was a thorn in Marseille’s side, scoring a composed opener and coming agonizingly close to a late winner. His performance underlined Strasbourg’s potential to trouble top-tier teams.
What’s Next?
Marseille
De Zerbi’s men face a critical period as they try to regain momentum in the title race. With PSG extending their lead, Marseille will need to capitalize on upcoming fixtures and avoid further dropped points.
Strasbourg
The visitors will take confidence from their resilient performance. Sitting in the lower half of the table, Strasbourg will aim to build on this result as they seek to secure safety in Ligue 1.
Conclusion
Marseille’s inability to capitalize on their chances cost them dearly on Sunday. While Greenwood’s penalty salvaged a point, the hosts’ wastefulness in front of goal highlighted their struggles. Strasbourg, meanwhile, will be pleased with a hard-earned draw that showcased their defensive organization and counterattacking prowess.
FAQs
- What is Marseille’s current position in Ligue 1?
Marseille are third in the table, nine points behind leaders PSG. - How many goals has Mason Greenwood scored this season?
Greenwood has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in Ligue 1 this season. - What was Marseille’s xG in the match?
Marseille recorded an xG of 2.91, indicating their missed opportunities. - Who scored for Strasbourg?
Emanuel Emegha scored Strasbourg’s goal in the 23rd minute. - What’s next for Marseille?
Marseille must bounce back quickly to maintain their title hopes, with a focus on converting chances in upcoming games.
