On Saturday, March 8, 2025, RC Lens achieved a much-needed victory against Marseille at the Vélodrome, clinching the match 0-1 with a dramatic last-minute goal by Neil El Aynaoui. This win ended Lens's troubling streak of four consecutive defeats and provided the team with three valuable points, allowing them to momentarily rise to 8th place in the Ligue 1 standings.
The match commenced with heightened tensions, as both teams were eager to secure points for their respective goals. While Marseille aimed to maintain pressure for Champions League qualification, Lens was desperate to snap their losing streak. Fans were hopeful as both teams took to the pitch—El Aynaoui and fellow Moroccan Bilal Nadir starting for Lens and Marseille respectively, with Amine Harit absent from the Marseille lineup due to injury.
From the kickoff, Marseille showed aggressive intent, pushing forward with early attempts to score. Notable opportunities arose for the home side, including Amine Gouiri's shot which rattled the crossbar. Despite their several chances, Marseille struggled with efficiency, failing to capitalize on moments when they could have taken the lead.
It was not until the second half when Lens began to exhibit resilience. The tactical strategies implemented by manager Will Still started to take root, and their defense held firm against Marseille’s intermittent attacks. Goalkeeper Matt Ryan was particularly distinguished, making several key saves, ensuring Lens remained competitive and alive as the match progressed.
At the 65th minute, Anass Zaroury came off the bench for Lens, adding fresh legs and urgency to the game. Though Zaroury worked to break through the Marseille defense, the overall team struggled against the hosts' defensive organization. The match continued, and as time faded away, it seemed as though Lens could leave with yet another disappointing result.
But then, as the third minute of added time approached, the game swung dramatically. A floating ball over the defense found Deiver Machado, who skillfully maneuvered past Luciano Nardi before creating space for El Aynaoui. With impeccable timing, El Aynaoui capitalized on the chance, firing the ball past the Marseille goalkeeper Géronimo Rulli and exploding the moment with elation. This goal, struck at the heart of Marseille's Vélodrome, showcased El Aynaoui's talent and determination.
After the match, El Aynaoui expressed his joy and relief, stating, "This happiness is everything. Last week, we felt bitter after our performance against Le Havre, even though the content wasn't bad. We put together our game and it was the effort of the entire team, enabling us to count on each other." The Moroccan midfielder acknowledged the significance of the goal and the relief it brought to his team, saying, "I don't know if this goal will change our season, but I am happy because it’s the first goal after my injury which allowed us to earn three points. Scoring here, under this scenario of the game, is magnificent."
El Aynaoui's performance served as not just personal redemption but also as inspiration for his teammates, who rallied around him after the victory. Prior to the match, doubts surrounded El Aynaoui's fitness due to injury, but his determination won out, proving his readiness to contribute.
Reflecting on the match’s intensity, Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi lamented, "We had opportunities, but we didn't convert them. It was frustrating because we knew the stakes against Lens, especially as we chase Champions League football." His players had mixed performances; some, like Gouiri, were dynamic early on but faded as the match dragged on.
Player ratings provided by various media outlets highlighted the contrasting performances of the teams. Ryan was rated highly for his saves, with commentators noting how he prevented Lens from falling behind with several pivotal blocks. Conversely, Marseille's Rulli was criticized for conceding the last-minute goal and failing to maintain focus during the final stages of the match.
This victory for RC Lens not only halted their slide down the table but also served as a pivotal moment for team morale and momentum. With the competition being so tight, every point counts, and as El Aynaoui and his teammates walked away with renewed hope, fans began to envision what could come next for the Sag & Or.
Looking forward, Lens will need to build on this success, with their next fixtures being equally challenging as they hope to position themselves favorably for the remainder of the season. The pressure is on, but after this thrilling victory, there is newfound belief within the squad. With El Aynaoui's late heroics sparking energy and resolve, Lens is determined to show this match was not merely a blip but the start of something far more significant. The upcoming weeks will test their resilience even more as they navigate the highs and lows of Ligue 1.