In a thrilling display of football, Olympique de Marseille overwhelmed Stade Brestois with a commanding 4-1 victory on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the iconic Vélodrome. This match marked the conclusion of the 31st round of Ligue 1 and was crucial for Marseille as they sought to secure their place in the top tier of the league standings.
The stakes were high as Marseille entered the match in a precarious position, having slipped to fourth place following Lille's earlier victory against Angers. With Monaco breathing down their necks, the Phocéens needed a win to reclaim the second spot. On the other side, Brest, who had little to play for other than pride, aimed to finish the season on a high note.
Under the tactical guidance of coach De Zerbi, Marseille set up in an attacking formation, with Amine Gouiri leading the line, supported by Mason Greenwood and Adrien Rabiot. The Brestois, managed by Éric Roy, countered with a front three of Abdallah Sima, Ajorque, and Pereira Lage, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from the hosts.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere, and it didn't take long for Marseille to stamp their authority. Just eight minutes in, Gouiri opened the scoring in spectacular fashion. Luis Henrique made a brilliant run down the left, sending a pinpoint cross to Gouiri, who expertly controlled the ball before slotting it between the legs of defender Massadio Haïdara and into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Brest, however, was not to be deterred. They fought back and equalized in the 26th minute when Sima capitalized on a chaotic situation in the box. After a powerful header from Chardonnet hit the crossbar, Sima was quick to react, smashing the ball home from close range to make it 1-1.
But Marseille responded almost immediately. In the 37th minute, Greenwood's free-kick was deflected by Chardonnet, wrong-footing goalkeeper Grégoire Coudert and restoring Marseille's lead at 2-1. The Vélodrome erupted once again, and the momentum shifted firmly in Marseille's favor.
Just before halftime, Gouiri showcased his brilliance with a stunning acrobatic goal, controlling a cross from Greenwood with his chest before executing a perfect bicycle kick to make it 3-1. This goal not only highlighted his skill but also underscored his importance to the team, leaving fans and players alike in awe.
As the second half commenced, Marseille adopted a more defensive posture, looking to control the game and manage the lead. Brest attempted to regain their footing, but the home side's defense held firm while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
In the 63rd minute, Gouiri struck again, completing his hat-trick and solidifying his status as the man of the match. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was confirmed after a VAR check, with the officials ruling that Haïdara had kept Gouiri onside. This goal marked a significant milestone for Gouiri, making him the first Marseille player to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1 since Arkadiusz Milik achieved the feat in February 2022.
Despite trailing, Brest continued to push forward, but their efforts were thwarted by a resolute Marseille defense and a standout performance from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who made several crucial saves, including a remarkable stop against Pereira Lage in the 75th minute.
As the match drew to a close, Marseille remained in control, and the victory was a significant boost in their pursuit of a top-three finish in Ligue 1. With this win, they reclaimed second place, capitalizing on Monaco's slip-up and positioning themselves favorably ahead of their upcoming clash against Lille, a match that promises to be pivotal in the race for European qualification.
In the aftermath of the match, Gouiri's performance was the talk of the town, with many praising his clinical finishing and overall contribution to the team. "It was a great night for me and the team," Gouiri said post-match. "We knew how important this game was, and we came out with the right mentality. The goals were a bonus, but the win is what matters most."
As for Brest, the defeat marked their third consecutive loss, leaving them frustrated and searching for answers. Despite a promising start to the match, they were ultimately outclassed by a Marseille side that was determined to reclaim its place among France's elite.
Looking ahead, both teams have much to play for in the remaining matches of the season. While Marseille aims to solidify their position in the Champions League spots, Brest will seek to salvage pride and finish the season strongly. With three games left, the battle for European qualification remains fierce, and every match will count.
In summary, Marseille's 4-1 victory over Brest not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted the importance of Gouiri's contributions as they push for a successful end to the season. The stage is set for an exciting finale in Ligue 1 as teams jostle for position in the standings.
