Olympique Marseille continued to strengthen their position at the top of Ligue 1 with a solid 2-0 victory against Angers SCO at the Raymond-Kopa Stadium on February 9, 2025. The win marked another successful away match for the team, its ninth of the season, making it clear just why they are second in the league standings.
After a lackluster first half, it was Adrien Rabiot who broke the deadlock with his header from a corner taken by Amine Gouiri. This came shortly after the 69-minute mark, lifting the team's spirits after a frustrating start to the match. Rabiot's goal signaled the start of Marseille’s dominance, as they had struggled to find the back of the net earlier.
Just five minutes later, Neal Maupay doubled the lead, again assisted by Gouiri, who has quickly established himself as one of the key players for the Marseillais since his arrival. Maupay’s deft finish through the legs of Angers' goalkeeper Yahia Fofana confirmed Marseille's control over the match.
Despite the efforts of Angers, their performance raised concerns, as they ended the match without recording a single shot on target, showcasing their difficulties throughout the game. Florent Hanin, Angers' left-back, voiced his frustrations, noting how the heavy crowd support for Marseille added to the team’s dissatisfaction and pressure.
The first half finished at 0-0, with Marseille dominating possession (78.8%) but failing to convert this control to effective scoring opportunities. It wasn't until the second half when Rabiot found the net from Gouiri's perfectly placed corner.
Under the coaching of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille has kept its form strong, remaining six points clear of third-place rivals Nice and Monaco following the match. The victory also distanced them from the recent threats posed by other competing teams.
Gouiri's two assists against Angers were not just impressive on paper; they also exemplified his growing chemistry with his teammates, especially with Rabiot and Maupay. After the match, Gouiri said, “I’m very happy playing here, and the teammates have fully accepted me since day one. I just want to enjoy football and contribute to the team's success.”
Rabiot’s performance has been increasingly recognized; he was named player of the match for his pivotal contributions and his goal, his fourth of the season, highlighted his effectiveness. He expressed contentment with the team’s synergy: “We’re working well together, and the new recruits are blending nicely. It’s encouraging to see our hard work paying off.”
The match was particularly stark for Angers, as they were left questioning their tactics after losing to yet another dominant performance from Marseille. Pierrick Capelle from Angers reflected on the defeat and expressed hope, stating, “We must learn from games like this,” highlighting Angers’ struggle to contend with stronger opposition.
Geronimo Rulli, Marseille's goalkeeper, had little to do throughout the match apart from one significant moment where he made a superb save against Ibrahima Niane, who was Angers' only real threat on goal. That save ensured Rulli maintained his clean sheet, showcasing Marseille's defensive solidity.
Both teams made substitutions to adjust their strategies as the match progressed. For Marseille, Ismaël Bennacer, enjoying his debut for the club, showed glimpses of brilliance before being replaced by Geoffrey Kondogbia, signaling De Zerbi’s tactical approach to managing player stamina over the busy match schedule. Bennacer's control and the energy he brought were positive signs of what is hoped to be a successful tenure at the club.
According to various reports post-match, the frustration of Angers players was evident, particularly with their inability to create chances effectively. Their coach, Alexandre Dujeux, admitted the team had to regroup quickly. “We need to be more ambitious and find ways to break down defenses like Marseille’s. Games like today really test the squad's resilience,” he noted during post-match interviews.
This victory not only boosts Marseille's points tally but reinforces their mental edge as they look to sustain their performance throughout the season. Angers' quest for points becomes increasingly urgent as they teeter near the relegation zone, needing to shore up their offensive capabilities. Their next match against Reims will be pivotal for their aspirations.