Marseille Ascend into Ligue 1’s Top Three Following Win Against Bottom-Placed Metz

After a recent lull in form, Marseille’s position in the UEFA Champions League qualification places was becoming shaky. However, hosting struggling Metz provided the team with a timely chance to revitalise their aspirations.

Les Phocéens made an ideal start, breaking the deadlock shortly before the 15-minute mark.

As Metz committed players forward for a set-piece, they were swiftly countered by Marseille, with Mason Greenwood playing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who expertly found the top-left corner despite slipping as he connected with the ball.

Aubameyang appeared to have netted a second goal just before the half-hour mark when he latched onto a through ball from Quinten Timber, rounded Pape Sy, and slotted home, only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside decision.

Marseille dominated the first half but nearly went into the break level when Gauthier Hein’s shot struck the post.

Upon the resumption of play in the second half, Marseille continued with their momentum, quickly adding to their lead in a fashion reminiscent of their opener.

This time, a Metz corner resulted in a counterattack, with Greenwood leading the charge again to set up Igor Paixão, who executed a delightful chip over Sy.

However, the two-goal lead was short-lived, lasting just over a minute when Giorgi Tsitaishvili found space in the box before his shot unfortunately slid through the legs of Gerónimo Rulli.

Habib Beye’s side pressed for more goals to secure the points, with Aubameyang narrowly missing from a tight angle and Timber firing just over the bar.

Eventually, the third goal arrived in stoppage time as Amine Gouiri provided the assist for Hamed Traorè, who finished coolly to secure all three points for Marseille. Nevertheless, Beye will be concerned about his team’s lack of finishing touch.

With this victory, Marseille has secured their fourth win under new management and remains in the hunt for UCL football next season. Meanwhile, Metz finds themselves eight points adrift of the relegation play-off position with just five fixtures left to play, making a return to Ligue 2 increasingly likely.