Greenwood Shines as Marseille Reach Coupe de France Quarters

Mason Greenwood led the way as Marseille stormed into the Coupe de France quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Rennes. The English striker’s goal marked his 22nd of a remarkable season, as Roberto De Zerbi’s men delivered a much-needed response following recent setbacks.

Mason Greenwood Powers Marseille to Convincing Win

Mason Greenwood set the tone for the night, further establishing himself as Marseille’s talisman. Right from the opening whistle, Marseille’s pressing paid dividends. Timothy Weah’s high-energy press won possession deep in Rennes’ half, allowing Amine Gouiri to slot home an opener within the first minute. The early goal gave the home side confidence and forced Rennes onto the back foot.

As the first half unfolded, tempers briefly flared when Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Glen Kamara. Rennes’ players vocally protested, believing the foul warranted a red, particularly as Kamara was forced to exit the match due to injury. Still, Marseille kept their composure and their focus firmly on progression.

Greenwood’s Goal Extends Remarkable Form

After the break, Mason Greenwood found space in the box and clinically finished from Gouiri’s precise assist, doubling Marseille’s advantage. Greenwood’s presence and finishing have been pivotal this season, and his 22-goal haul underscores why Marseille made a bold move to sign him in 2024. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed the result late on, rounding off a performance that will renew belief in De Zerbi’s squad.

De Zerbi Welcomes Return to Form

Roberto De Zerbi was visibly relieved after full time. Marseille had entered the tie under pressure following a difficult run—most notably a humbling 3-0 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge and a frustrating 2-2 Ligue 1 draw with Paris FC after letting a two-goal lead slip. The Italian manager acknowledged the scars left by Brugge but praised his side’s mentality. “We were solid with one less defender. It’s always hard to know what to prioritize, but the head is the best asset. If my team plays like this, we can beat anyone,” De Zerbi said post-match.

He also addressed the Marseille supporters, recognizing their disappointment after recent results: “Our supporters are smarter than we think. They tell the truth. They were right to be disappointed with Brugge. When expectations are high, as they should be for a club like ours, we have to match them.”

Greenwood’s Impact on and off the Pitch

Greenwood’s arrival last year was the subject of extensive internal debate. Marseille’s president Pablo Longoria recently revealed that he consulted his mother, a respected figure in Spain’s prison system, before proceeding with the £27 million signing. “It’s important to speak openly. We did our due diligence, and after reviewing all information, I asked my mother—someone without sporting incentives—for her view. She told me to go ahead. It mattered to have her perspective as a person rather than just as president,” Longoria explained.

The player’s history was not ignored, but the club saw the move as a significant sporting and market opportunity, provided all factors were responsibly considered. Since joining, Greenwood has focused on football, consistently delivering on the pitch and helping Marseille compete on multiple fronts.

Nwaneri’s Flashpoint and What’s Next

While Ethan Nwaneri was fortunate to avoid a sending-off following his challenge on Kamara, the incident did not overshadow Marseille’s dominant display. However, Rennes’ frustration was clear, and match officials may come under scrutiny for their decision.

Looking ahead, Marseille face a high-stakes Ligue 1 clash against league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. With De Zerbi’s men currently third and trailing PSG by nine points, only a win will keep their faint title hopes alive. The Coupe de France run provides a welcome boost to morale and confidence as the team prepares for this crucial encounter.

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Opinion: Greenwood’s Arrival Has Sparked Marseille’s Ambition

Mason Greenwood’s influence at Marseille cannot be overstated. Beyond his impressive goal tally, he’s injected a sense of purpose and belief into De Zerbi’s squad. If he maintains this form, Marseille could yet challenge on multiple fronts this season.