Ligue 1 Matchday 14, 29/11/2025
Marseille fought back after conceding an early goal to take the lead against Toulouse, only to have their hopes dashed in injury time. A long throw from Mark Mckenzie proved costly for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, as Santiago Hidalgo’s late equalizer prevented Marseille from capitalizing on PSG’s earlier defeat to Monaco.
THE MATCH
Roberto De Zerbi’s team believed they had turned the game around after TFC’s Emersonn scored first in the first half. Goals from Paixao and Højbjerg put OM ahead, looking poised to secure a crucial victory. However, a long throw by Mark Mckenzie led to Hidalgo’s header at the near post, resulting in a dramatic equalizer that left Marseille with just one point.
The match began with limited chances, as Toulouse settled into a well-organized low block, aimed at counter-attacking. Within 15 minutes, Toulouse struck first after Nayef Aguerd, making his return, was outmuscled by Emersonn. His shot hit the post and went in. Marseille struggled to break down the visitor’s defense, with their best opportunity coming from a free kick taken by Emerson that Højbjerg wasted as it drifted out for a throw-in. Just before halftime, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a shot cleared off the line.
The second half saw a more determined Marseille, with Robinio Vaz replacing Angel Gomes, allowing Aubameyang to support Paixao on the left. However, Weah’s defensive error nearly cost them, as Frank Magri failed to capitalize. Højbjerg hit the crossbar with a deflected shot as the match opened up.
Toulouse had a chance to extend their lead when Aaron Dønnum’s chip hit the crossbar, and shortly after, Bilal Nadir played a ball over the defense to Igor Paixao. The Brazilian demonstrated his pace to beat the defender and goalkeeper, sliding the ball into an empty net.
Marseille quickly equalized, as they shifted the attack from left to right. Aubameyang delivered a precise cross to Højbjerg, whose header sparked eruptions from the Vélodrome crowd in celebration.
However, the tension rose again as Mark Mckenzie set up for a long throw reminiscent of similar tactics in the Premier League. A miscommunication between goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and defender Leonardo Balerdi allowed Santiago Hidalgo to score at the back post, sealing a last-minute equalizer for Toulouse. The match concluded with missed opportunities for Marseille to seize the chance presented by PSG’s loss.
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE PLAYER RATINGS
Geronimo Rulli – 5
Nayef Aguerd – 4
The Moroccan returned from a week of injury but struggled, being outmuscled by Emersonn leading to the opening goal. Although he showed improvement in the second half, it was evident he was not fit to play the full match and was substituted later by a recovering Balerdi.
Benjamin Pavard – 5
Emerson Palmieri – 5
Angel Gomes – 4
Timothy Weah – 5
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 5
Bilal Nadir – 5
Mason Greenwood – 4
Greenwood’s creativity is crucial for Marseille, but his off performance affected the team’s offensive flow, as he struggled for involvement in both halves.
Igor Paixao – 6
After a challenging first half, Paixao significantly improved in the second, capitalizing on space provided by Vaz’s entry. His pace proved decisive as he scored an important goal for Marseille.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 4
Others:
Robinio Vaz – 5
TOULOUSE FC PLAYER RATINGS
Guillaume Restes – 5
Rasmus Nicolaisen – 4
Mark Mckenzie – 6
Charlie Creswell – 5
Djirbril Sidibé – 5
Dayann Methalie – 5
Christian Casseres – 5
Alexis Vossah – 5
Frank Magri – 5
Aaron Dønnum – 5
Emerson – 5
GFFN | George Boxall – Reporting from the Vélodrome, Marseille