Marseille cannot defeat even the relegation strugglers

The ordeal for Olympique de Marseille continues. They probably haven’t wished more for a season to end than they do now, as problems keep piling up from all sides. It’s not enough that the team is struggling on the pitch and could miss out on European competitions—fans have also revolted over the announced club crest change, with many banners tonight dedicated to that issue. And just when it seemed victory was within reach—when tensions might at least temporarily ease—OGC Nice snatched two points away with a penalty goal in the 88th minute, deepening the crisis at the Velodrome: 1–1.

Nice are having a disastrous season, sitting just above the relegation line, but this week has been excellent for them. With a win over RC Strasbourg, they secured a place in the French Cup final, bringing them within touching distance of European competition. This point in Marseille is just as sweet, helping them take another small step toward survival, now sitting five points clear of AJ Auxerre. Statistically, Marseille were much better than the visitors—but that doesn’t earn points. In the end, they still could have won, but Mason Greenwood missed a huge chance in stoppage time. The Englishman started on the bench due to injury concerns but was brought on to try to salvage the result.

Marseille were significantly weakened, with Bilal Nadir, Amine Gouiri, Pepe Paixao, CJ Egan-Riley, Nayef Aguerd, and Geoffrey Kondogbia all unavailable. Still, the team played solidly, created chances, and looked the better side. They had to wait until the 66th minute to score, when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg headed home from a cross by Enady. Nothing suggested a different outcome, but in the 87th minute, substitute Emadi made a big mistake, stepping on Jonathan Clauss while trying to clear the ball. Penalty—and Elye Wahi converted it. In the little time that remained, Marseille couldn’t find a second goal. Their European dreams are slowly fading… and worst of all, it could be Nice who take them away directly if they go on to win the French Cup.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 31

Friday

Brest - Lens 3-3 (3-0)

/Guindo 7, Tousart 24, Ebmibe 42 - Thauvin 60, Sima 64, Saint-Maximin 90+4/

Saturday

Olympique Lyon - Auxerre 3-2 (1-1)

/Yaremchuk 19, 71, Tolisso 66 - Diomande 35, Okoh 88/

Angers - PSG 0-3 (0-2)

/Lee 7, Mayulu 39, Beraldo 52/

Toulouse - Monaco 2-2 (0-2)

/Russell-Rowe 61, Emersonn 90 - Teze 6, Camara 18/

Sunday

Lorient - Strasbourg 2-3 (1-0)

/Cadiou 26, Pagis 54(p) - Nanasi 62, Adjei 90+2(p), Omobamidele 90' +9/

Le Havre - Metz 4-4 (2-2)

/Samatta 5, Kechta 13, Zouaui 52(p) Doucuoure 61 - Kvilitaia 9, Pandore 54,  Hein 45+5(p), 85/

Paris - Lille 0-1 (0-1)

/Fernandez 26(p)/

Rennes - Nantes 2-1 (1-1)

/Lepaul 8(p), Rongier 90+2 - Ganago 40/

Olympique Marseille - Nice 1-1 (0-0)

/Hojbjerg 66 - Wahi 88(p)