Marseille Overtakes Monaco in Ligue 1 with Greenwood's Last-Minute Penalty

Apr, 13 2025

In an electrifying Ligue 1 matchup on December 1, 2024, Marseille clinched a crucial 2-1 win over Monaco, powered by Mason Greenwood's coolly executed 89th-minute penalty. This victory not only put Marseille ahead of Monaco into second place but also demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

The contest began with both teams battling for dominance, but it was Monaco who first broke the deadlock. In the 41st minute, Aleksandr Golovin found the net with a somewhat fortunate deflected strike, set up brilliantly by Denis Zakaria. This goal highlighted Golovin's knack for capitalizing on slim chances and Monaco went into halftime with the upper hand.

Marseille, however, came back from the break with renewed vigor. Just eight minutes into the second half, the hosts drew level. It was Luis Henrique who headed home a beautifully crafted cross from Neal Maupay, in a move that displayed both Henrique's clinical finishing and Maupay's vision and delivery.

As the clock ticked towards the 90-minute mark, the pressure was on for both sides. The defining moment came when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) detected a handball in the Monaco defense, earning Marseille a penalty. Mason Greenwood, with nerves of steel, stepped up to the spot, sending the Monaco goalkeeper the wrong way and scoring his ninth league goal of the season.

This win was vital for Marseille, as it propelled them above Monaco solely on goal difference. Both teams currently trail the league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain, by seven points. These three points highlight Marseille’s tenacity and resilience, especially in games where they find themselves trailing.

Monaco, despite their attacking prowess, have been haunted by inconsistency. Their youthful team brims with talent but often falters due to defensive weaknesses, as observed in this match when key defensive errors shifted momentum towards Marseille.

Key performances came from several Marseille players. Gerónimo Rulli, their shot-stopper, was instrumental, making several crucial saves that kept Marseille in contention throughout the match. Meanwhile, Neal Maupay’s assist for Henrique's goal was a testament to his crucial role in the squad's attacking maneuvers.

This encounter not only shifted standings but also spotlighted underlying issues and strengths in both squads. While Monaco grapples with consistencies in their play, Marseille’s victory underscores their tactical resilience and ability to capitalize on pivotal moments. As the season progresses, both teams will be eager to fine-tune their strategies in pursuit of top-tier standings in Ligue 1.