Key Takeaways:
- Marseille reclaimed third place with a 1:0 victory over Monaco in the Ligue 1 derby
- Mason Greenwood secured the win with a decisive goal just minutes before full time
- The match experienced a 12-minute delay due to smoke bombs thrown by home fans
Match Analysis
In a dramatic encounter from the 16th round of Ligue 1, Marseille secured a narrow 1:0 win against Monaco at the Stade Vélodrome, courtesy of a late strike by Mason Greenwood. This critical result has propelled Marseille back into third place in the Ligue 1 standings, while Monaco remain in ninth position.
The highly anticipated clash began with a 12-minute delay after home supporters launched smoke bombs onto the pitch, reducing visibility and postponing kick-off.
𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗟𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗦! ✅😍
GREENWOOD'S WINNER DELIVERS THE THREE POINTS! 👏👏👏#OMASM | 1⃣ – 0⃣ | ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/SNLQo4pKTR
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) December 14, 2025
Key Moments and Player Performances
Roberto De Zerbi’s side made a rapid start, buoyed by an early surge from Greenwood and a missed opportunity at close range by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Dominating the opening twenty minutes, Marseille dictated play, although Monaco soon found their rhythm. Goalkeeper Rui thwarted Takumi Minamino’s shot, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg intervened to clear Folarin Balogun’s attempt off the line.
Following the break, Monaco pressed immediately—Minamino missed from a promising position just 13 seconds after the restart. Lamine Camara briefly thought he had given Monaco the lead, only for VAR to rule his goal out.
Despite creating a handful of dangerous chances, including Matt O’Riley’s effort cleared off the line by goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and an attempt from Aubameyang denied by Hrádecký, Monaco failed to capitalise. In the closing phases, Balogun had the ball in the net in the 81st minute, but the assistant referee flagged for offside.
Decisive Moments
Mason Greenwood provided the breakthrough just one minute after Balogun’s disallowed goal, receiving a pass from Højbjerg and finishing decisively to ignite celebrations in the stadium. Monaco pursued an equaliser in the dying moments, but Biereth’s attempt to level the score was thwarted by an outstanding save from Nayef Aguerd.
Statistical Overview
Marseille’s resilience late in the match proved decisive, as they weathered a number of Monaco attacks and capitalised on a rare opportunity in the final minutes. The result strengthens their challenge in Ligue 1’s upper echelon, while Monaco will be left ruing missed chances in a fiercely contested derby.
