Wahi’s Late Panenka Earns Nice Valuable Point Against Stuttering Marseille

Key Takeaways:

• Elye Wahi converted a late penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Nice against Marseille last night
• Marseille have now failed to win four of their last five Ligue 1 fixtures (one draw, three losses)
• Nice move five points clear of the relegation zone after the result at Stade Velodrome

Match Overview

Elye Wahi’s composure from the penalty spot in the final minutes delivered Nice a crucial 1-1 draw in their derby face-off with sixth-placed Marseille, a result that further dents Marseille’s ambitions of clinching a top-four Ligue 1 finish.

Fresh from booking their place in the Coupe de France final, Nice had to swiftly transition into survival mode for their demanding domestic assignment. Occupying a precarious position in the table, Claude Puel’s men set up with defensive discipline, while the hosts, intent on European qualification, began brightly.

ELYE WAHI WITH A PANENKA AGAINST HIS FORMER CLUB MARSEILLE! 🇨🇮🥶 pic.twitter.com/WcgD81YslJ

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 26, 2026

First Half Analysis

Marseille wasted no time asserting themselves, with Arthur Vermeeren threatening inside five minutes, his powerful header forcing an early intervention from Yehvann Diouf in the Nice goal. Diouf remained vigilant close to the half-hour mark, reacting smartly to push away Leonardo Balerdi’s attempt during his 150th Ligue 1 appearance.

Second Half Developments

After the interval, Marseille continued to press for the opener. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spurned a splendid opportunity with a header wide, and moments later, Tochukwu Nnadi was denied by a last-ditch block from Juma Bah. Despite Marseille’s pressure, Nice were not without threat, as Geronimo Rulli was required to produce consecutive stops to keep out Wahi and Mohamed-Ali Cho.

The breakthrough finally arrived for the hosts amidst growing tension at the Stade Velodrome. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, latching onto Nnadi’s cross, directed a diving header beyond Diouf. This marked Hojbjerg’s first Ligue 1 goal since November, sparking a tactical shift from Puel who introduced Kail Boudache. However, Boudache squandered a glaring chance almost immediately, heading wide of an open goal after Rulli conceded possession cheaply.

Late Drama and Equaliser

Nice were handed a reprieve in the closing stages when Tadjidine Mmadi committed a foul on ex-Marseille player Jonathan Clauss in the area. Elye Wahi seized the opportunity with an audacious Panenka from the spot, ensuring a share of the spoils and boosting Nice five points above the drop zone.

Marseille’s frustration continues as this result leaves them four points behind the top four, complicating their prospects of UEFA Champions League qualification.

Match Statistics