On September 22, 2025, the atmosphere at the Orange Velodrome was electric. Fans expected a routine win for Paris Saint‑Germain, but Marseille had other plans. From the first whistle the home side pressed high, and five minutes in they struck a blow that would define the game.
Early Shock and the Goal
Nayef Aguerd, tracking a well‑timed cross from Mason Greenwood, met the ball inside the box. It ricocheted off his chest and then glanced off PSG captain Marquinhos before finding the net. The referee ruled it an own‑goal, and the scoreboard flashed 1‑0 in Marseille’s favour.
The early lead forced PSG to regroup. Their coach shuffled the midfield, bringing in fresh legs to chase the equaliser, but Marseille’s defence stayed compact. Captain Leonardo Balerdi marshaled the backline, while veteran Benjamin Pavard provided calm under pressure.
PSG’s Fightback and Marseille’s Defense
Despite the setback, the Parisians dominated possession for long stretches, especially after the break. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia threatened early, his pace forcing a scramble inside the box, yet the ball clattered harmlessly away. A half‑hour in, a long‑range effort was deflected and saved brilliantly by Marseille keeper Gerónimo Rulli, who dived low to tip the ball onto the post.
Vitinha tried to lift the game with a daring lob over Rulli in the dying minutes, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar, leaving the fans with a collective sigh. PSG continued to launch wave after wave of attacks, with midfield maestro João Cancelo attempting a through‑ball that sliced just wide of the post. Their best chance came when a shot from Kylian Mbappé was blocked by Aguerd, the rebound falling to a teammate who hammered it onto the side netting.
Marseille’s tactical adjustments paid off. In the 61st minute, Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang entered the fray, his experience adding a quiet threat up front while also helping to press the visitors high up the pitch. Later, a fresh defensive substitute shored up the right flank, ensuring that PSG’s wingers could not exploit space on the counter‑attack.
Rulli’s performance earned plaudits; he produced three more key saves, including a fingertip parry from a curling shot by Lionel Messi, who was making a cameo appearance for PSG. Each time the ball struck his gloves, the home crowd erupted, chanting the club’s anthem louder.
When the final whistle blew, the Orange Velodrome exploded in joy. Former defender Adil Rami could be seen joining the celebrations, a reminder of the deep rivalry between the two clubs. Marseille walked away with three vital points, moving to nine points from five matches, while PSG’s perfect run halted at 12 points.
The defeat forces PSG to reassess ahead of their next fixture at the Parc des Princes. Their coach hinted at a possible formation tweak, emphasizing tighter defensive discipline and a more direct approach to breaking down Marseille’s organized backline. For Marseille, the win is a morale booster that could catalyze a stronger run in the second half of the season.