It was a night to remember at the Stade Velodrome as Marseille put on a show for their passionate supporters, defeating Lens 3-1 in a crucial Ligue 1 clash on January 24, 2026. The spotlight belonged to 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who made a dream debut for Marseille just a day after completing his loan move from Arsenal. The young midfielder wasted no time making his mark, finding the back of the net in the 13th minute with a stunning left-footed strike that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Nwaneri’s arrival in southern France came on the heels of a frustrating first half of the season at Arsenal. Despite signing a new contract in the summer that keeps him at the London club until 2030, the England youth international struggled for playing time. The big-money arrivals of Noni Madueke for £48.5 million and Eberechi Eze for £67 million pushed Nwaneri down the pecking order, leaving him hungry for minutes and eager to prove himself on a bigger stage.
"It’s a fantastic feeling to score on my debut," Nwaneri said after the match, his joy evident as he reflected on his whirlwind week. "I just wanted to help the team and show what I can do. The atmosphere here is incredible and I’m grateful for the opportunity." (According to Barron’s)
Nwaneri’s goal doubled Marseille’s lead after Algeria striker Amine Gouiri had opened the scoring in just the third minute. Gouiri, known for his tenacity and knack for finding space in the box, bundled his way past the Lens defense before slotting home from close range. The early goal set the tone for a high-energy first half, with Marseille pressing aggressively and Lens struggling to find their rhythm.
Lens, sitting second in Ligue 1 prior to kickoff, came into the match full of confidence and ambition, but the visitors were rocked by Marseille’s fast start. The home side’s intensity, fueled by a raucous Velodrome crowd, left Lens chasing shadows for much of the opening 45 minutes. Nwaneri’s composed finish from just inside the D—curled expertly into the bottom corner—was the exclamation point on a dominant opening spell.
"We knew we had to start strong against a team like Lens," said Marseille head coach Roberto de Zerbi. "The players executed the plan perfectly. Ethan’s goal was special, but the whole team deserves credit for the way they approached the game." (According to ESPN)
After the break, Lens attempted to claw their way back into the contest, pushing more players forward and enjoying greater possession. But Marseille’s defense, marshaled superbly by their experienced backline, stood firm. Every Lens attack seemed to be met with a wall of blue shirts, and the visitors’ frustration began to mount as time ticked away.
Marseille’s third goal arrived in the 75th minute, once again courtesy of Gouiri. The Algerian striker latched onto a clever through ball, shrugged off his marker, and calmly slotted his second of the night past the helpless goalkeeper. It was a clinical finish that capped a man-of-the-match performance. Gouiri’s brace not only secured the points for Marseille but also showcased his growing importance to de Zerbi’s side.
"Amine is always dangerous in the box," de Zerbi noted. "He gives us that edge, and tonight he showed why he’s so valuable to us." (According to ESPN)
Lens did manage a consolation goal late on, thanks to 19-year-old substitute Rayan Fofana. The youngster showed great composure to finish neatly after a rare lapse in the Marseille defense, but by then, the outcome was all but settled. The late strike provided little solace for the visitors, who relinquished their grip on second place in the Ligue 1 standings.
The victory lifted Marseille to third in the table, narrowing the gap to just five points behind Lens, while leaders Paris St-Germain remain seven points clear. For a club that has endured its share of ups and downs in recent seasons, the result felt like a statement of intent. The Velodrome faithful, so often the 12th man, celebrated long after the final whistle, savoring a performance that blended youthful exuberance with veteran savvy.
For Nwaneri, the night was particularly poignant. Having joined Arsenal’s academy as a youngster and made history as the Premier League’s youngest-ever player in 2022, the midfielder’s career has long been one to watch. But after a breakout campaign last season, the influx of new signings at Arsenal left him on the fringes. The loan move to Marseille, then, represents both a fresh challenge and a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on a big stage.
"I want to keep working hard and help Marseille achieve our goals this season," Nwaneri said. "There’s a lot of quality in this squad, and I’m excited for what’s ahead." (According to Barron’s)
His debut goal will surely boost his confidence, and with Marseille fighting on multiple fronts, the youngster is likely to see plenty of action in the coming months. For de Zerbi, integrating Nwaneri into a squad already brimming with attacking options could prove a masterstroke as the race for Champions League places heats up.
Lens, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to keep pace with PSG and fend off the chasing pack. The defeat at the Velodrome serves as a reminder of the fine margins at the top of Ligue 1, where a single result can shift the balance of power. With the season entering its decisive phase, every point will matter—and every match will carry added significance.
As the dust settles on a memorable evening in Marseille, attention now turns to the next round of fixtures. Can Nwaneri build on his sensational debut? Will Gouiri continue his scoring streak? And can Marseille maintain this momentum in their pursuit of domestic glory? One thing’s for certain: with performances like this, the excitement in Ligue 1 shows no signs of slowing down.
The home fans left the stadium buzzing, their hopes renewed and their faith in the team reaffirmed. Marseille’s blend of youthful promise and experienced leadership has them firmly in the hunt, and if Saturday’s display is any indication, there could be more special nights ahead at the Velodrome.