Marseille Secures Spot in Coupe de France Quarter-Finals with Victory Over Rennes

Marseille achieved a commanding victory over Rennes, confirming their advancement to the Coupe de France quarter-finals. The match began with an explosive start as Timothy Weah intercepted the ball high on the pitch and assisted Gouri, who finished decisively from within the box.

A notable incident occurred in the first half when Arsenal loanee Nwaneri received a booking for a late challenge on Glen Kamara, leading to anger from the Rennes players who felt a red card was warranted. Kamara, injured from the tackle, was forced to exit the match. Shortly after the break, Marseille extended their lead when Greenwood scored, assisted by Gouri. Aubameyang sealed the victory with a third goal in the final ten minutes.

This win comes on the heels of a tough stretch for Marseille, including a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League and a 2-2 draw against Paris FC in Ligue 1 after holding a two-goal advantage. Coach Roberto de Zerbi expressed relief at returning to winning ways but acknowledged that the loss to Brugge still weighs heavily on his mind.

In a press conference, De Zerbi stated, “We were solid with one less defender. It’s challenging to determine what to prioritize, but maintaining mental strength is crucial. Winning this game was important, and I believe my team has the potential to defeat any opponent when performing at their best. However, we are also capable of losing to any team. The match against Brugge continues to leave its mark.”

He further commented on the expectations of their supporters: “Our fans possess a depth of knowledge that is often underestimated. They were rightfully disappointed with the Brugge match; it’s an encounter that warrants shame. When a team projects strength, expectations naturally arise, and the team’s performance can either meet or falter against those expectations.”

Mason Greenwood has been in outstanding form this season, now boasting a total of 22 goals across all competitions. This impressive tally is particularly noteworthy given his transfer fee of £27 million in 2024. Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, revealed that he consulted with his mother regarding Greenwood’s signing before proceeding, emphasizing the importance of gathering all relevant information before making such a significant decision.

Longoria remarked, “It’s essential to approach these matters transparently. Creating taboos is rarely constructive. From a sporting standpoint, this was a significant market opportunity, and we carefully evaluated the entire situation. I consulted my mother, who has a background in the prison system, to gain insight devoid of sporting bias. Her advice was clear: ‘Do it.'”

Looking ahead, Marseille faces a critical match against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. Currently sitting third in Ligue 1, they trail Luis Enrique’s side by nine points and must secure a victory to maintain their slim title aspirations.