Roberto De Zerbi’s message was clear: a victory to forget the European nightmare against Atalanta and, incidentally, to seize the throne of Ligue 1. Mission accomplished. Olympique de Marseille did the job seriously and won (3-0) against a Stade Brestois who were far too generous to hope for anything at the Vélodrome. A quiet victory, acquired in half an hour, which allows the Phocaeans to look down, at least temporarily, on the entire championship.
The Rulli turning point, the Majecki gift
However, this controlled evening could have slipped into doubt from the first minutes. On a rare Breton foray, Mboup presented himself alone against Gerónimo Rulli. The Argentine goalkeeper, imperial and in a permanent state of grace in recent weeks, won his duel (9th). A momentous stop. Because football, this Saturday evening, had decided to choose its side. Eight minutes later, on an innocuous free kick from Angel Gomes, Brest goalkeeper Majecki inexplicably found a hole, letting the ball slip through his fingers, in a blunder reminiscent of that of a certain Karius. The Vélodrome didn’t ask for that much.
Greenwood, immediate sentence
This gag goal completely liberated OM and sank Brest. The Phocaeans, already dangerous through Greenwood (6th) and Aubameyang (7th), then unfolded. On a new offensive, Igor Paixão was brought down in the area by an overwhelmed Kenny Lala. Mason Greenwood, with the composure that characterizes him, transformed the sentence without trembling (25th). 2-0 after less than half an hour, mass was said. Marseille had done the hardest part, helped by an opponent who had decided to scuttle himself.
Against Brest, Aubameyang found the net after 7 matches without scoring.
Aubameyang, deliverance
The second period was just a long and quiet management. OM controlled, without ever really accelerating, content to manage their lead against the Finisterians incapable of the slightest revolt. The only real issue was whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would finally end his drought. And deliverance came ten minutes from time. On a perfect cross from incoming Matt O’Riley, the Gabonese, with a superb half-volley, finally found the net (82nd). A goal for his morale, and a deserved ovation from the Vélodrome for a player who never stopped fighting. “When you are an attacker, you have to persevere and not give up. dI am happy with the goal, but especially with the victory,” he declared with a smile on BeIN Sports at the final whistle.
Ideal before the break
OM therefore won 3-0, took the lead in Ligue 1 and will leave for the international break with a smile and full of serenity. If this performance does not completely erase the European bankruptcy, it confirms that this Marseille has character and knows how to be present in important moments. De Zerbi can breathe: his message got through, his team reacted like a boss.
