Ligue 1: Monaco overthrows Marseille to claim second spot

Monaco completed a dominant win over Olympique Marseille to return to winning ways, rising to second in the league.

The home side won 3-0 to boost their Champions League hopes, courtesy of goals from Takumi Minamino, Breel Embolo, and Denis Zakaria.

Prior to the game, Marseille sat only two points ahead of Monaco. However, Les Monegasques bounced back with a comfortable with to dethrone the visitors and move a point ahead.

Meanwhile, Marseille started the game the brighter of the two sides with a lot of possession in the opening phases. But De Zerbi’s side could not find the opener, as the hosts ensured staying unscathed.

Adi Hutter’s boys got into the game as Kondogbia failed to hold off a driving run by Breel Embolo. The Swiss then set up Mika Biereth for two saved shots, which was rebounded into an open net by Minamino.

Marseille had a wonderful chance to level the score when a cross from Merlin fell perfectly at Luis Henrique’s feet, but his strike towards the far post could only lace the side post.

Both sides started the second half brightly, with Monaco threatening through a string of set pieces to set an offensive tone. Marseille on the other hand would then respond on the transition with Rowe’s pace and a chance at the near post for Greenwood.

However, the home side notched the second goal as Embolo slotted in underneath Rulli after Vanderson provided the through ball.

Monaco kept on putting on the pressure and they managed to extend their lead. Amar Dedic’s clearance put the ball up in the air rather than out, causing Rulli to foul Embolo whilst running back to his own goal.

Zakaria then stepped up to convert the penalty, pushing Les Monegasques into second position, ahead of Marseille.