Ligue 1: Lens Stun Marseille with Late Winner, Reviving European Hopes

Lens ended a four-game losing streak in style, beating Marseille 1-0 in Ligue 1, with Neil El Aynaoui's late goal proving decisive in a thrilling encounter.

Lens secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome, thanks to Neil El Aynaoui's last-gasp winner. This thrilling result rejuvenated Lens' push for European qualification, while also ending Marseille's seven-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1.

The Ligue 1 title race is all but over, with Paris Saint-Germain holding a commanding 18-point lead over second-placed Marseille. However, Marseille's focus has shifted to consolidating their position in the table and securing a return to the UEFA Champions League. With this goal in mind, they dominated the first half against Lens, dictating the tempo of the game.

The match was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams creating half-chances in the opening stages. However, the first genuine scoring opportunity didn't arise until midway through the first half, when Mathew Ryan produced an excellent save to tip Amine Gouiri's powerful effort onto the crossbar. This close call served as a warning for Lens, who were forced to weather Marseille's attacking storm.

Andy Diouf of Lens forced Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli into action shortly after Amine Gouiri's effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Mathew Ryan. However, Marseille soon regained control, with Gouiri testing Ryan again with a low attempt after some impressive build-up play.

Marseille continued to press for the opening goal, with Leonardo Balerdi's header looping onto the top of the bar. Despite their dominance, Les Phocéens were unable to find the breakthrough before the half-time interval, leaving the scoreline goalless.

The intensity of the match remained high after the break, but clear-cut opportunities were scarce for both teams. The majority of the play took place in midfield, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. In an attempt to inject fresh impetus into their teams, the respective managers made tactical substitutions, with Roberto De Zerbi introducing Jonathan Rowe and Mason Greenwood, while Will Still brought on Anass Zaroury.

Le @RCLens retrouve le chemin de la victoire 💪#OMRCL pic.twitter.com/RtPiEzJpnO

— Ligue 1 McDonald's (@Ligue1) March 8, 2025

As the game entered its final stages, Mathew Ryan produced two outstanding saves to deny Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay, preserving the deadlock. These crucial stops proved to be the turning point, as Lens struck a dramatic winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Neil El Aynaoui, played in by Deiver Machado, took a touch before firing into the top corner, sending the visiting fans into raptures.

This result marked only Marseille's third loss in 2025, but it opens the door for Nice to apply pressure on their league position. Marseille's upcoming schedule doesn't get any easier, with a challenging trip to face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique next. On the other hand, Lens managed to halt a four-game losing streak with this victory, and they now trail Lyon by just three points in the battle for a top-six finish.