Marseille wins in Rennes and closes in on league leaders PSG

Marseille secured a crucial 2-1 victory away at Rennes on Saturday in the 17th round of Ligue 1, a result that keeps their title hopes alive.

The match, played at a stadium known for being a challenging venue for visitors, highlighted Marseille's determination and ability to overcome adversity. Despite trailing initially, the team showed composure and resilience to turn the game around and claim all three points.

The encounter began with Rennes asserting themselves early. They were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute, but their failure to convert proved costly. However, they still managed to break the deadlock in the 43rd minute, with Arnaud Kalimuendo finding the net. At that point, Rennes appeared in control, but Marseille responded immediately. Just before halftime, English forward Mason Greenwood delivered a crucial equalizer in the 45th minute, a goal that shifted the momentum heading into the break.

The second half saw Marseille come out with renewed energy and focus. Greenwood once again played a pivotal role, this time providing the assist for French international Adrien Rabiot, who scored the winning goal in the 49th minute. Rabiot’s goal capped off a brilliant sequence and underlined his importance to the team. For Marseille, the performance was a testament to their fighting spirit and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Elsewhere in Ligue 1, other results added intrigue to the standings. Brest hosted Lyon and managed a narrow 2-1 victory, further complicating Lyon’s inconsistent season. Meanwhile, Nice delivered a standout performance with a 4-2 triumph over Reims. Portuguese full-back Buta started for Reims and was active throughout, though he was substituted in the 82nd minute for Abdoul Kone. Nice’s win solidified their position in the race for European qualification.

With this result, Marseille closed the gap to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, moving up to 36 points, just four points behind PSG’s 40. However, PSG have an opportunity to restore their seven-point advantage when they face Saint-Étienne on Sunday. A win for PSG would re-establish their commanding lead, but Marseille’s victory serves as a reminder that the title race is far from over.

The battle for European spots also remains tight. Monaco holds third place with 31 points, keeping themselves in contention for a Champions League berth. Nice follows closely in fourth with 30 points, demonstrating their ability to challenge for a top-three spot. Lille, in fifth with 29 points, and Lyon, in sixth with 28, are both within touching distance of the European places but will need more consistent performances in the weeks ahead.

As the Ligue 1 season progresses, Marseille's resurgence adds excitement to the title race. Their win at Rennes not only bolsters their confidence but also puts pressure on PSG to maintain their lead at the top. Meanwhile, the competition for European spots intensifies, promising a thrilling second half of the season for fans of French football.