Marseille Stuns Strasbourg with Late Comeback to Lead Ligue 1

Match overview: a tale of two halves

On September 26, 2025, the atmosphere at Stade de la Meinau crackled with anticipation. Strasbourg, still riding a remarkable home streak of 11 unbeaten outings this year, opened the scoring early in the second half. Substitute Abdoul Ouattara tucked away a right‑footed strike from the edge of the box in the 49th minute after an assist from Emanuel Emegha, a decision confirmed by VAR.

The early lead seemed to validate the Ligue 1 fourth‑place occupants’ recent form. Under Liam Rosenior, the Alsatian side had gone unbeaten in eight of their last nine games across all competitions, boasting six wins and two draws since August. Their defensive solidity, anchored by the industrious Joaquín Panichelli, gave fans confidence that the three points were within reach.

Marseille, coached by Roberto De Zerbi, entered the fray on the back of a morale‑boosting 1‑0 victory over Paris Saint‑Germain – their first win against the capital club since 2020. Yet a six‑game winless streak against Strasbourg loomed large, forcing De Zerbi to tweak his tactics early on.

Turning the tide: pressure, persistence, and a dramatic finish

After conceding, Marseille ramped up the pressure. Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese striker known for his quick release, harried goalkeeper Mike Penders with a flurry of close‑range attempts. His relentless work paid off in the 78th minute when he finished a slick move to level the score, sending the visiting supporters into a roar.

Strasbourg responded by digging deep, with Panichelli and fellow defender Wim Panachelli clearing dangerous balls and even testing the Marseille keeper with a header that clanged over the crossbar. The home side, however, showed signs of fatigue as the clock ticked toward full‑time.

The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. At the 91st minute, Panamanian midfielder Amir Murillo unleashed a left‑footed strike from the centre of the box, beating Penders and sealing a Marseille comeback that will be replayed in highlight reels for weeks.

Beyond the goal scorers, several Marseille players left their mark. Mason Greenwood pushed high up the flank, Leonardo Balerdi contributed with a powerful long‑range effort, and Igor Paixão saw his right‑footed shot saved by the Strasbourg keeper. Midfielder Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg missed a header that could have ended the match earlier, while Amine Gouiri’s late run added another spark to the attack.

The three points catapulted Marseille to the summit of Ligue 1, tying the league’s early‑season standings where multiple clubs are separated by a single point. For De Zerbi, the win reinforces a growing belief that his side can challenge for the title, especially after a recent Champions League disappointment against Real Madrid.

Strasbourg, despite the loss, can take pride in how they matched one of France’s traditional powerhouses. Their organized defense and ability to take an early lead reflect Rosenior’s impact, even if a lapse in concentration during the final minutes cost them dearly.

Looking ahead, Marseille will aim to convert this momentum into consistency, while Strasbourg must regroup quickly to preserve their home‑ground dominance. Both coaches have hinted at tactical tweaks – De Zerbi may rotate his attacking options to keep opponents guessing, and Rosenior is expected to emphasize defensive discipline in the upcoming fixtures.

Fans on both sides left the stadium with mixed emotions: elation for Marseille’s dramatic rescue and frustration for Strasbourg, who watched a promising campaign slip through their fingers in the dying seconds of a fiercely contested battle.