PLAYER RATINGS | Marseille 4-0 Lorient – Pavard & Gomes off the mark as OM cruise to victory against 10-man Merlus | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille bounce back with a convincing win against a ten-man Lorient side, ahead of a daunting trip face Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League opener next week. Debutants Benjamin Pavard, and Nayef Aguerd got on the scoresheet – as Angel Gomes opened his OM account with a stunning volley after Mason Greenwood opened the scoring from the penalty spot.THE MATCH The international break came at a good time for Olympique de Marseille. With the controversy of Rabiot and Rowe’s bust-up seemingly behind them, and a whole set of new recruits at their disposal – OM’s game against Lorient was almost like a new start to the season for Les Olympiens.

From Friday evening’s display, it looked like the break and fresh input brought by OM’s new players had paid off. Not only was it a new start for Roberto De Zerbi’s men – but also the beginning of a key week in which Les Olympiens will have to face a daunting trip to Real Madrid before a Classique clash against Paris Saint-Germain next weekend. By half-time Les Olympiens were 3-0 up against 10-men and Les Marsiellais simply didn’t look back.

The key moment for OM came when Darline Yongwa pulled down Michael Amir Murillo in the box – and was given his marching orders by referee Thomas Leonard who brandished a somewhat harsh red card for the Frenchman. At the same time, it was a spot-kick for OM and none other than Mason Greenwood would step up and dispatch calmly to open the scoring for the hosts (13′). Any lingering tension from their Olimpico defeat to Lyon just before the international break seemed to dissipate from then onwards.

Nine years after making his last appearance in Ligue 1, Benjamin Pavard would score on his debut to double Marseille’s lead – towering above the Lorient defence from a corner and connecting with a powerful header past Mvogo (20′). Cue the passionate celebrations, as the Vélodrome refound its sense of pride as the France international wheeled away in celebration. Two would then become three just before the hour-mark, as Angel Gomes scored his first goal in Ligue 1 in stunning fashion: the Englishman received the ball on the edge of the box and controlled with the flick before volleying home into the top corner (32′).The second half saw plenty of new debuts: notably the biggest cheer was reserved for Igor Paixao who came off the bench along with Emerson Palmieri and Arthur Vermeeren. But Les Olympiens took their foot off the gas, and generated very little in a half where they dominated the ball – as Lorient knew in their heart of hearts that the contest was over, despite some dogged and spirited defending in the latter stages.It’s a win which was aided by Lorient’s early red card, but it certainly soothes unease before OM travel to the Spanish capital next week, and then face their rivals from the French capital a few days later.OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE PLAYER RATINGS

Jeffrey De Lange – 6

Nayef Aguerd – 6

An impressive and assured debut for the Moroccan international, especially in a back three with Medina and Pavard that had only been worked on in training in a matter of days during the international break. OM’s defence desperately needed a sense of calm and composure at the back, which Aguerd clearly provided throughout the win. Whether it can be repeated on the Champions League stage, is yet to be seen.

Benjamin Pavard – 7

What can you say, you sign solidity and experience and that’s what you get on the pitch. Pavard was a commanding and consistent presence in OM’s backline: something that was clearly missing over the past few weeks for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. A towering header would see the France international grab his first goal for the club on his debut – nine years after last playing in Ligue 1 with Lille.

Facundo Medina – 5

Michael Amir Murillo – 6

Geoffrey Kondogbia – 5

Angel Gomes – 6

Quite simply a stunning goal from the Englishman to open his account for OM, he played slightly higher than in previous games and it seemed to suit Gomes. His ball recoveries hard work in the middle of the pitch really helped his confidence, and his volley from the edge of the box to score his first goal in Ligue 1 since the 4th October 2024 added the cherry on the cake of what was a very solid performance.

Bilal Nadir – 6

Amine Gouiri – N/A

Mason Greenwood – 5

Lovely bit of footwork but blasted over the bar in the opening minutes before he was asked to convert Marseille’s opening penalty in the 12th minute – which was dispatched confidently. He then added to that with a pinpoint delivery for Benjamin Pavard to double the lead only minutes later. Yet afterwards the Englishman seemed to drift in and out the game as he was moved around positions following Gouiri’s injury and exit. Still, it’s an improved performance for Greenwood who struggled in previous weeks – the international break has done him some good.

Matt O’Riley – 5

FC LORIENT PLAYER RATINGS

Yvon Mvogo – 4

Montasser Talbi – 4

Bamo Meité – 4

Abdoulaye Faye – 4

Darlin Yongwa – 4

Laurent Abergel – 4

Noah Cadiou – 5

Jean-Victor Makengo – 4

Karim Dermane – 4

Sambou Soumano – 4

Joel Mugisha – 4GFFN | George Boxall – Reporting from Stade Vélodrome, Marseille