Olympique de Marseille 2-1 AS Monaco: Greenwood completes comeback win for hosts to relieve pressure on De Zerbi
Mason Greenwood converted a crucial late penalty, securing a narrow 2-1 victory for Marseille over Monaco and enabling the hosts to surpass their rivals into second place in Ligue 1 based on goal difference.
With only one position separating the two teams, it was expected that both sides would engage in a tightly contested first half at the Stade Velodrome.
The initial 40 minutes yielded merely two significant opportunities, as Eliesse Ben Seghir forced Geronimo Rulli into a save, while Greenwood's ambitious long-range attempt was comfortably handled by Radoslaw Majecki. Despite these moments of offensive play, the encounter between the second and third-placed teams appeared destined for a scoreless first half.
This changed in the 41st minute when Monaco capitalized on a careless pass from Valentin Rongier. The visitors swiftly transitioned the ball to Aleksandr Golovin on the left flank, allowing the winger to slot it past Rulli, marking Monaco's 17th consecutive away league game with a goal.
However, the visitors' lead was short-lived, as a mistake by Mohammed Salisu led to an equalizer for Marseille just eight minutes into the second half. The center-back inadvertently set up Maupay, who assisted Luis Henrique, allowing him to head in his sixth goal of the season.
With the momentum shifting in favor of Marseille, Greenwood spearheaded the search for a potential winner, cutting inside onto his left foot and forcing a solid save from Majecki. Monaco, however, remained determined to claim all three points, with Golovin testing Rulli before Takumi Minamino struck a left-footed shot into the side-netting.
As the match approached its conclusion, Marseille was awarded a late penalty after VAR confirmed that Christian Mawissa had handled the ball in the penalty area.
Greenwood maintained his poise, directing Majecki to the incorrect side, thereby leading the home team to their initial league victory at home since September. Consequently, both teams conclude Matchday 13 with 26 points, trailing leaders Paris Saint-Germain by seven points.
SportsLigue