In a thrilling encounter at the Stade Océane, Olympique de Marseille secured a vital 3-1 victory over Le Havre on Saturday, May 10, 2025, ensuring their direct qualification for next season's Champions League. The match showcased the brilliance of Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood, who played pivotal roles in the win as Marseille solidified their place in the top three of Ligue 1.
From the outset, the match was charged with tension as both teams aimed to achieve crucial objectives. Marseille, looking to clinch second place, dominated possession early on but struggled to convert their chances. The first half saw Adrien Rabiot come close with a header that struck the crossbar, and Greenwood forced a superb save from Le Havre's goalkeeper, Mathieu Gorgelin. Despite their dominance, the score remained 0-0 at halftime, leaving the Marseille fans anxious.
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg delivered a perfectly timed pass to Gouiri. The Algerian forward capitalized on a defensive error from Arouna Sangante, slotting the ball past Gorgelin to give Marseille a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the traveling Marseille supporters, who had made the trip in hopes of witnessing a decisive performance.
However, the joy was short-lived as Le Havre responded just ten minutes later. Issa Soumaré equalized in the 66th minute, taking advantage of a lapse in the Marseille defense to convert a low cross from Josué Casimir. The equalizer sent shockwaves through the Marseille camp, and the match was briefly halted due to tensions in the stands, with some fans clashing and causing a 30-minute delay.
Once the match resumed, Marseille regrouped and began to assert their dominance once more. Greenwood, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, found his moment of brilliance in the 85th minute. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, he unleashed a stunning curling shot that nestled into the bottom corner, restoring Marseille's lead at 2-1.
As the match approached its climax, Gouiri sealed the victory with a second goal in the dying moments, scoring in the 90+9 minute. After a swift counter-attack, he showcased his composure by finishing past Gorgelin, confirming the 3-1 scoreline that would secure Marseille's Champions League berth.
Gouiri's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only opened the scoring but also finished the match with 10 goals and 3 assists in just 13 appearances since joining the club in January. His contributions have been instrumental in Marseille's late-season push, embodying the team's resurgence under the guidance of coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The victory not only solidified Marseille's position in the league but also marked a significant achievement for the club, as they cannot be displaced from the podium with only one match remaining. With 62 points, they sit comfortably ahead of their nearest rivals, OGC Nice, who languish at 57 points after their defeat.
Marseille's next challenge will be a home match against Rennes at the Vélodrome, where they will look to cap off their season with another strong performance. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as fans celebrate their team's return to the Champions League after a season filled with ups and downs.
In conclusion, Marseille's 3-1 victory over Le Havre not only secured their immediate future in European competition but also highlighted the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the season wraps up, the focus will now shift to how they can build on this success and make an impact in the Champions League next season.
