Olympique Marseille strengthened their grip on second place in Ligue 1 with a decisive 2-0 victory against Angers at the Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday night, marking the conclusion of the 21st round of the season.
The match began with Marseille displaying their trademark attacking style but initially struggled to break past Angers' resolute defense. The first half saw several missed opportunities, leaving the scoreboard unchanged and the tension palpable. Fans might have wondered if Marseille would find their rhythm against the compact Angers midfield.
It was not until the 69th minute when Marseille finally made their breakthrough. Adrien Rabiot scored with a expertly placed header from Amine Gouiri's corner kick, dispatching his effort past Angers keeper Yahia Fofana. This goal was Rabiot's third header in just five matches, showcasing his newfound aerial threat. Coach Roberto De Zerbi praised Rabiot's exceptional performance, noting his adaptability and growing importance within the squad, stating, 'He played as if he has been playing with us for two or three years, when he only arrived three days ago.'
Just five minutes later, the lead was doubled. Neal Maupay, who had recently joined from Everton, showed his poaching instincts by finishing off a slick one-two with Gouiri. This quick exchange of passes allowed Maupay to find space just outside the box, and he placed his shot neatly past Fofana, sealing the victory for Marseille. His timely involvement saw him score his fourth goal since his transfer, proving to be a valuable addition for the club.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances throughout the match, Marseille's first half was riddled with missed opportunities. Neal Maupay and Rabiot both had clear chances, but both failed to convert, resulting in a nervy first half for the visitors. Nevertheless, they remained patient and were rewarded for their persistence, eventually breaking down Angers’ defenses.
Angers, positioned 13th on the league table, will also be left contemplating missed opportunities. Estéban Lepaul had a golden chance to score but hit his shot wide, which could have changed the game’s dynamics. For the home team, the loss means they remain precariously close to the relegation zone, stalling their potential recovery from recent disappointing form.
With this victory, Marseille, now sitting at 43 points, solidifies their position six points clear of nearest rivals Nice and Monaco. While they sit comfortably behind runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have amassed 53 points, the result marks another significant step toward solidifying their Champions League ambitions. De Zerbi urged his team to keep aiming higher as he believes only by fostering ambition can they avoid the pitfalls of complacency. 'We also need to look in front. If we don't have the ambition to aim higher, we could end up being frustrated or even humiliated,' he stated post-match.
Marseille has now won nine of their eleven away matches this season, making the Stade Kopa one of their more favorable venues as they continue to build momentum. With upcoming fixtures against clubs positioned lower down the table, the timing could prove fortuitous for the club as they look to capitalize on their recent form to maintain their position among France's elite.
Through their resounding success against Angers, Marseille has not only showcased their attacking prowess but has also confirmed their resilience under pressure, making them one of the teams to watch as the Ligue 1 season progresses.
Fans will hope this momentum carries on as the team prepares for the next stages of Ligue 1, particularly as they eye key fixtures where they aim to keep the pressure on both their rivals and the leaders.