Lorient back to winning ways in Ligue 1 after dispatching Marseille

Les Merlus entered the fixture following a three match streak without a victory (two draws and one loss), yet they almost went ahead right at the start when Panos Katseris received a pass over the defence, prompting a save from Geronimo Rulli. Shortly afterwards, L’OM created their prime opportunity in the opening period, as a headed ball dropped from the sky to Mason Greenwood, only for Yvon Mvogo to block his shot and maintain Greenwood a single goal adrift in the top scorer contest.

Lorient appeared far more lively in front of their supporters at home, and they opened the scoring around the halfway point when Bamba Dieng tamed a lengthy pass before it ricocheted to Katseris, who slotted it past Rulli without hesitation.

Marseille commenced the second half with greater offensive intent between the teams, featuring efforts from replacement Timothy Weah, Himad Abdelli, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all inside the initial ten minutes.

However, none managed to penetrate the Lorient backline, with Mvogo proving crucial. Marseille suffered for it moments later, when Pablo Pagis delivered an exquisite ball to Bamba Dieng, who lofted a finish over Rulli to extend the home sides lead.

This represented ex Marseille players Diengs ninth goal in the division this term, exceeding his previous total during his time at his old club. 

Pagis came close to netting one himself further into the game, but Rulli kept him out, while the incoming Marseille players failed to alter the outcome, resulting in their third loss across the previous four outings and tenth defeat of the campaign in total.

Consequently, their difficult record on the road persists, marking a fourth setback in five matches away from Stade Velodrome. Regarding Lorient, they have extended their unbeaten home sequence in the league to 14 games (eight wins, six draws), holding ninth position in the table.