Marseille Overcome Strasbourg in Dramatic Late Comeback
STRASBOURG, FRANCE – Olympique de Marseille continued their impressive form, reversing a first-half deficit to defeat RC Strasbourg 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at the Stade de la Meinau. The victory temporarily places Marseille at the top of the Ligue 1 standings, building momentum after their recent upset against Paris Saint-Germain.
The match was marked by controversy and late drama. Strasbourg initially took the lead in the 50th minute through Ouattara, assisted by Emegha, after a goal initially disallowed was validated by VAR. However, the build-up to the opener was contentious, with Rosenior, the Strasbourg coach, visibly angered by a perceived foul on Emegha that went uncalled, seemingly favoring Aguerd who had already received a yellow card in the first half.
Marseille responded with sustained pressure, culminating in a 78th-minute equalizer from Aubameyang following an interception by Hojbjerg. The game appeared headed for a draw until a stoppage-time winner from Murillo, capitalizing on a rebound from a Vaz header off the crossbar, secured the victory for the visitors in the 92nd minute. A final clearance from Pavard prevented a last-gasp equalizer from Strasbourg.
Emegha, the future Chelsea player, was substituted in the 61st minute due to a muscular injury, raising concerns about his fitness. Substitutions for Marseille included Greenwood, Aubameyang, and Emerson in the 58th minute, injecting fresh energy into their attack. Goalkeeper Panichelli proved crucial for Strasbourg, making several key saves, including denying Aguerd in the 69th minute, but ultimately unable to prevent the defeat.
