Marseille crash to Ligue 1 defeat against Nantes

Marseille started the year with a disappointing 2-0 loss at home to struggling Nantes in Ligue 1, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's squad to end the game with only nine players on the field.

Dismissals just before and after the break for Arthur Vermeeren and Bilal Nadir, along with a goal from Fabien Centonze and a penalty by Remy Cabella near the end, led to Marseille's fifth loss this season, keeping them eight points adrift of unexpected toppers Lens.

Importantly, this setback meant third-placed Marseille could not widen their lead over rivals chasing the last direct Champions League berth, especially after fourth-placed Lille fell 2-0 to Rennes the day before.

Marking only their third win this term for Nantes under Ahmed Kantari, his side has temporarily escaped the drop zone, pushing Auxerre below them ahead of that team's upcoming fixture.

"It provides us with a lift," Nantes manager Kantari commented.

"We are pleased to grab three points. In our fight for survival, these count a lot, and it boosts our spirits.

"Victories like this make us feel less burdened and more assured."

Marseille gave Nantes the upper hand in numbers on the 26th minute when Vermeeren received a straight red for a reckless tackle on Anthony Lopes while attempting to block the keeper's kick.

The away side capitalised soon after, with Centonze reacting to a poor save from Geronimo Rulli to score from near the goal line just five minutes later.

De Zerbi reacted swiftly by substituting centre-midfielder Nadir for striker Igor Paixao.

Unfortunately for them, the young player at 22 years old picked up two bookings within two minutes early in the second period, earning his own ejection.

Even with nine men, Marseille pressed forward at the Velodrome hoping for an equaliser, while Nantes kept creating threats themselves.

A mistimed foul by Benjamin Pavard on Matthis Abline inside the Marseille area offered Nantes the ideal way to clinch victory, and Cabella converted the spot-kick from 12 yards with only two minutes left.

Incoming, title holders Paris Saint-Germain will face Paris FC at home, marking the first top-division Paris derby in France since 1990.