Nice vs OM: Marseille Dominates 5-1 Thrashing

Nice vs OM: Marseille Dominates in Ligue 1 Showdown

The Allianz Riviera witnessed a masterclass from Olympique de Marseille as OM thrashed OGC Nice 5-1 in the opening match of Ligue 1's 13th round. The Phocéens' ruthless attacking display and clinical finishing saw them effectively end Nice's hopes of mounting a comeback early in the second half.

First Half: OM Takes Charge

OM started like a train, breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Mason Greenwood's corner was flicked on by Benjamin Pavard, and Aubameyang was on hand to tap in from close range. The Gabonese striker's predatory instincts set the tone for Marseille's dominance.

Nice responded with sustained pressure, enjoying 52% possession and creating chances through Moffi and Bard. However, they lacked the final touch, with Yehvann Diouf making a crucial save to deny Moffi. OM doubled their lead just before halftime when Greenwood converted a rebound after Timothy Weah's initial effort was blocked, giving the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.

Second Half: Complete Collapse for Nice

The second half became a nightmare for Nice. Three minutes after the restart, Mason Greenwood completed his hat-trick with a stunning solo effort, weaving past defenders before slotting past Diouf. Just five minutes later, Timothy Weah made it 4-0 with a powerful strike from an acute angle.

Nice briefly rallied when Jordan Cho pulled one back with a header in the 63rd minute, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Igor Paixão restored OM's three-goal cushion in the 74th, capitalizing on Aubameyang's unselfish assist after a brilliant counter-attack.

The match was temporarily halted in the 87th minute for a fireworks display celebrating Nice's 40th anniversary, but by then the result was beyond doubt. Some frustrated Nice supporters began leaving the stadium early as OM toyed with their opponents in the closing stages.

Key Takeaways

"Nice is sinking," observed commentators as OM's dominance became increasingly evident throughout the second half.

Marseille's efficiency was undeniable—they scored from 70% of their shots on target, while Nice managed only one goal from seven attempts. OM also dominated duels (32-31) and shots (11-7), showcasing their comprehensive superiority.

What's Next?

This emphatic victory positions OM firmly in the title race, potentially allowing them to leapfrog rivals into the league's top spot. For Nice, this defeat exposes significant defensive fragilities, especially in transition, as they now face mounting pressure in the lower half of the table.

The Phocéens will need to address their second-half collapses quickly, while Marseille will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures. With Aubameyang and Greenwood in such devastating form, OM's attacking prospects look incredibly promising.