Greenwood Double Fires Marseille to Derby Win Over Nice

Mason Greenwood’s stunning brace led Marseille to a fierce 5-1 victory over Nice in Ligue 1, capping a night of drama that saw the former Manchester United forward become France’s top league scorer.

Mason Greenwood Dominates in Marseille’s Triumph

Mason Greenwood was the standout performer as Marseille outclassed Riviera rivals Nice on Friday night. The in-form forward, who left Manchester United and found a new lease of life in Ligue 1, opened his account by doubling Marseille’s early lead. His shot, deflected past Nice keeper Yehvann Diouf, set the tone for a fiery contest at the Allianz Riviera.

Derby Night Marred by Brawl and Crowd Trouble

Celebrations following Greenwood’s first goal escalated tensions, particularly as Marseille’s players celebrated in front of the Nice ultras. The atmosphere soured further when defender Emerson Palmieri was struck by a lighter thrown from the stands. Attempts by referee Jeremie Pignard to restore order failed as a mass brawl erupted near the dugouts, involving players and substitutes from both sides. Marseille’s Geronimo Rulli and Nice’s Ali Al-Abdi were booked in the aftermath.

VAR Checks and Controversy

Nice’s frustrations were compounded by what they believed was a foul in the build-up to Greenwood’s opener. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand, quelling Nice’s protests and allowing play to resume after a three-minute delay.

Greenwood Extends Lead in Ligue 1 Scoring Charts

Greenwood wasn’t done yet. He added a second shortly after halftime, taking his tally to 10 goals in 13 Ligue 1 matches this season. The clinical display moved him ahead of Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli as Ligue 1’s top scorer. Marseille’s other goals came from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Timothy Weah, and Igor Paixao, cementing a dominant performance that propelled Roberto De Zerbi’s side to the top of the table ahead of PSG.

Greenwood’s Journey: From Manchester to Marseille

Having left English football behind, Greenwood has found both personal and professional contentment in Marseille. After charges against him were discontinued in 2023, he rebuilt his career with a loan to Getafe, before securing a permanent move to the French giants. Greenwood’s impact has been immediate, with 21 league goals last season and a continued run of form this campaign. He spoke warmly of his experience in Marseille, saying, “I feel at home, it’s a really special place. I’m happy with the goals I scored this year. With the players and staff we have here, anything is possible.”

Mason Greenwood’s Marseille Focus Ahead of Champions League

Attention now shifts to Europe, where Greenwood will lead Marseille into a crucial Champions League clash against Newcastle. While OM are flourishing domestically, their European campaign has been less successful, with three losses in four matches. Manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed confidence after the win over Nice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum: “It fills us with enthusiasm, and it is a moral boost. It is also important for the matches against Newcastle and Toulouse. We need to put that win aside now and move on.”

PSG Await as Marseille Top Ligue 1

With PSG set to play Le Havre, Marseille’s emphatic derby win has put them in pole position at the league summit—thanks in large part to Greenwood’s prolific scoring.

Opinion: Greenwood’s Revival a Boon for Marseille

Greenwood’s resurgence has been remarkable, both on and off the pitch. His ability to deliver in high-pressure matches is proving essential for Marseille’s ambitions. If he maintains this form, OM could well challenge for the Ligue 1 title and make a deeper impact in Europe. For more news and in-depth football analysis, visit for more news.