Mason Greenwood proved to be the hero for Marseille as he scored his third goal of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Reims. Despite a strong start with an early lead through Amine Harit, Marseille’s defense struggled, allowing Reims to take the lead with goals from Yaya Kader Fofana and Sergio Akieme. Greenwood, who joined Marseille from Manchester United this summer, has been a standout performer for the team, with two goals in his debut match against Brest. His decision to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica has also made headlines. Greenwood’s impressive start makes him the first Marseille player since Dimitri Payet in 2013 to score three goals in the first two games of the season. Despite the late goal salvaging a point for Marseille, manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed disappointment with the final result, emphasizing his sense of responsibility towards the fans.
Strasbourg emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Rennes, securing their first league victory of the season. Andrey Santos opened the scoring for Strasbourg with a goal in the 23rd minute, followed by Emanuel Emegha doubling the lead early in the second half. Although Ludovic Blas pulled one back for Rennes, a late own-goal by Christopher Wooh sealed the win for Strasbourg. The victory was celebrated by the fans, who had been protesting against the club’s ownership, marking a significant step forward for the team.
Nantes put an end to their 10-game home winless streak in the league by defeating newly promoted Auxerre 2-0 at Stade de la Beaujoire. Nigeria forward Moses Simon impressed with a solo effort to open the scoring in the 14th minute. Despite several chances, Auxerre failed to find the net, with their hopes dashed further when Ado Onaiwu was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 52nd minute. Bahereba Guirassy added a second goal deep in stoppage time, securing a much-needed victory for Nantes.
Lens emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Brest, thanks to an early goal from Jhoanner Chavez and an own-goal from Julien Le Cardinal. Despite losing Deiver Machado to a red card in the 88th minute, Lens maintained their lead and secured the three points. The win was a strong statement from Lens, showcasing their resilience and determination on the pitch.
In a game marred by a damaged pitch affected by a fungal infection, Nice and Toulouse played out a 1-1 draw. American defender Mark McKenzie made his debut for Toulouse after his transfer from Belgium’s Genk, adding an international flair to the match. The draw highlighted the challenges posed by external factors in football, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience from the players.
The weekend’s Ligue 1 fixtures provided a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and unexpected twists. From Greenwood’s heroics for Marseille to Strasbourg’s triumph over Rennes, each match offered a unique insight into the competitive landscape of French football. As teams continue to battle for supremacy in the league, fans can look forward to more exciting encounters and memorable moments throughout the season.