“Playing at the Velodrome is a privilege. I have to transfer my passion for football to the players“ said Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi after his players were embarrassed by Auxerre at their fantastic stadium, in front of the home crowd, known for the best atmosphere in French football. That was back at the beginning of November, when the Italian threatened to quit his job and also said he is not interested in the second place, only the first, which is currently occupied by PSG. But after tonight‘s turnaround at the Velodrome and a win against the second strongest team in France, De Zerbi is officially the second in Ligue 1 and will be happy: Marseille – Monaco 2-1.Goal Mason Greenwood Marseille [2] – 1 Monaco pic.twitter.com/a0nfBbi7Rd— Toni (@Footballfan0088) December 1, 2024 The Italian must be happy, as he not only defeated his direct rival for the second spot, but managed to push his team to overturn the result, which was 1-0 after the first half. Not only that, but his players finally broke a strange mental barrier – they finally won at their own home ground. Not since September have they won at the Velodrome, while they have been almost perfect in away games (six wins). Monaco is the strongest and most organized team in France after PSG for years, and Olympique, with its instability and frequent coaching changes have not won any of their last 3 Ligue 1 matches against Monaco (2 draws, 1 loss), after winning 5 of their previous 7 (2 losses). And tonight they finally managed, but not because they were a better team but because Monaco made too many mistakes. In attack, they missed three excellent opportunities to put the game away, and in defense, they made two crucial mistakes, which led to both Marseille‘s goals.Goal Luís HenriqueMarseille 1-1 Monaco pic.twitter.com/irsP2Go49E— Toni (@Footballfan0088) December 1, 2024 There were only two things worth mentioning in the first half – the touch referee and the leading goal. In the 16th minute of the match, Marseille‘s Balerdi sent Vanderson into the railings with his shoulder, but the Brazilian tackled the touch referee, Mr. Pagès. The Vélodrome fans made fun of the poor man who complained about his ankle but carried on. However, he couldn‘t hold on after 10 minutes, and had to come off. Nothing interesting happened on the pitch, as Marseille just couldn‘t even threaten Monaco‘s goal. The back four of the visitors were as solid as a rock and Adi Hutter‘s team waited patiently for their opportunity. And it came four minutes from time, when an experienced midfielder Valentin Rongier, who came from Nantes in a 13 million euros deal made a lateral pass which was intercepted and Zakaria fed Golovin, whose shot was touched by Murillo on his way to the net.Coup de sifflet final au Vélodrome ! L’OM s’impose et fait une grosse opération !!! ⚪️🔵 #TeamOM #OMASM pic.twitter.com/Y11FsWpJU1— Football Club de Marseille (@FCMarseille) December 1, 2024 The second half started with a fantastic chance for the visitors. Corner for Monaco was taken by Ben Seghir and the ball passed everyone in the goal area before Hojbjerg cleared the ball in front of Singo, who would certainly score. But in the 52nd minute, Monaco made their first defensive error and the home team used it. Garcia’s cross was poorly cleared by Salisu and Maupay headed it into the goal area, where Luis Henrique and saw his opportunity. Zakaria should have scored the second for Monaco minutes later, but didn‘t catch the ball well and eventually stumbled on Marseille‘s keeper Rulli. Greenwood finally made a shot on target after one hour of the match, but Monaco‘s Majecki pushed the ball to corner. Former Liverpool‘s forward Minamino came in and should have scored in the 71st minute, but his shot went over the bar. And then Mawissa handballed in the penalty area, and only after VAR intervention, a penalty was awarded for the home team. Mason Greenwood was again cold as ice and brought much joy and a needed victory.LIGUE 1 – MATCHDAY 13 Friday Reims – Lens 0-2 (0-1)/Thomasson 23, Nzola 61/Saturday Rennes – Saint-Etienne 5-0 (2-0)/Kalimuendo 38 pen, 61, 67 pen, Blas 45+6, Gouiri 53/Brest – Strasbourg 3-1 (2-0)/Lala 12 pen, Pereira Lage 45+1, Del Castillo 90+2 – Ouattara 85/PSG – Nantes 1-1 (1-1)/Hakimi 2 – Abline 38/Sunday Montpellier – Lille 2-2 (1-1)/Sylla 45+2, Nordin 90+3 – David 44 pen, 54 pen/Le Havre – Angers 0-1 (0-0)/Abdelli 63/Olympique Lyon – Nice 4-1 (3-1)/Lacazette 4, 41, 69(p), Veretout 43 – Diop 22/Toulouse – Auxerre 2-0 (2-0)/King 32, Sierro 39/Olympique Marseille – Monaco 1-2 (0-1)/Enrique 53, Greenwood (p) 89 – Golovin 41/
