A journey of great historical significance for Marseille – travelling to Belgium to face the side they played against in their first-ever match in European football back in 1962 – quickly became a challenge of the here and now, as the home side took the lead with the first shot of the game.
Just four minutes in, Anan Khalaili drove an unstoppable low drive into the bottom corner to stun the French visitors.
For Roberto De Zerbi’s men, that early goal proved to be a catalyst for revival, as they recovered to take a lead into the break 10 minutes after going behind. Igor Paixao pounced on a rebound from a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shot, and the Brazilian smashed home an equaliser.
From there, the away side dominated, with Timothy Weah forcing Kjell Scherpen into a fine fingertip stop, before Greenwood finished a move he started by rifling a shot underneath the USG goalkeeper to put his team in front.
Both teams had identical records in this season’s UCL league phase heading into this game, but Marseille decisively took their opportunity to extend their advantage just short of the hour mark.
Greenwood raced behind the defence and tricked his way to a sight at goal, and the English forward curled his finish beyond Scherpen.
Any thoughts of the result already being decided were quashed when Khalaili got one back for the hosts, drilling his shot home from the angle after Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli misjudged a cross.
Les Unionistes fought to replicate their opponents’ first-half comeback, twice having their hearts broken by an offside flag, as Kevin Mac Allister and Promise David each saw would-be levellers ruled out.
With Bayern Munich looming in their penultimate match, it was a defeat that leaves the Belgian side facing a tough task to qualify, while Marseille know likely one more win in the league phase will see them progress after a hard-fought victory at Lotto Park.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mason Greenwood (Marseille)