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MARSEILLE, France — Mason Greenwood delivered a performance for the ages on Saturday night, scoring four goals in Olympique de Marseille’s electrifying 6-2 victory over Le Havre at the Orange Vélodrome, propelling the team to the top of Ligue 1 with 18 points from eight matches. The 24-year-old English forward’s historic quadruple—the first by a Marseille player in the French top flight since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1991—ignited the stadium and cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest stars.
A Night of Brilliance at the Vélodrome
The match began with a shock as Le Havre’s Yassine Kechta stunned the home crowd with a curling low shot in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. But the tide turned in the 34th minute when Le Havre’s Gautier Lloris was sent off for a handball in the box, earning Marseille a penalty. Greenwood stepped up, coolly dispatching the spot-kick to level the score at 1-1. From there, the Vélodrome became his stage.
In the second half, Greenwood unleashed a masterclass. He gave Marseille the lead in the 67th minute with a stunning curler from distance, assisted by Igor Paixão. Four minutes later, he completed his hat-trick with a clinical close-range finish, set up by substitute Robinio Vaz. In the 76th minute, Greenwood connected with a precise cross from Benjamin Pavard to slot home his fourth, a composed right-footed strike that drew comparisons to Papin’s legendary feats. Vaz added a tap-in in the 88th minute, and Amir Murillo headed in a sixth in stoppage time, while Le Havre’s Abdoulaye Touré managed a consolation volley.
“I’m over the moon,” Greenwood told Ligue 1+ post-match. “I’d never even scored a hat-trick before, so four goals feels incredible.” His performance, which earned an 8/10 rating from Get French Football News, ended a 22-month drought for a four-goal haul in Ligue 1, last achieved by Kylian Mbappé in January 2023.
Greenwood’s Resurgent Season
Greenwood’s heroics, as detailed in the sports card above, included six shots, four on target, and 81 touches, showcasing his relentless attacking prowess. With seven goals and four assists across all competitions this season, the former Manchester United star has silenced doubters since his €31.6 million move to Marseille in 2024. His 27 Ligue 1 goals make him the most prolific British player in the division since Glenn Hoddle’s stint at Monaco in the late 1980s.
Marseille’s fifth straight victory in all competitions, coupled with PSG’s 3-3 draw against Strasbourg, handed Roberto De Zerbi’s side a one-point lead atop the Ligue 1 table. The Italian manager’s high-pressing, vertical style has transformed Marseille into title contenders, with Greenwood as the spearhead. Substitutes Vaz, Bamo Nadir, and Murillo also shone, highlighting the squad’s depth as they prepare for a UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica in Lisbon.
A Collective Triumph with a Nod to History
The night carried added emotional weight as Marseille retired the No. 30 jersey of club legend Steve Mandanda, who gave the ceremonial kickoff. Despite Le Havre’s early defiance and a spectacular late volley from Touré, Marseille’s dominance was undeniable. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though goalless, won the crucial penalty, while Leonardo Balerdi and Nayef Aguerd anchored a defense that weathered early pressure.
Critics, however, note Marseille’s reliance on numerical advantage after Lloris’ red card, and Le Havre’s lone win in eight games underscores their struggles. Still, Greenwood’s quadruple has shifted the narrative, with Le Parisien calling him the “architect of a decisive victory” that has Marseille dreaming of their first Ligue 1 title since 2010.
What’s Next for Marseille and Greenwood?
As Marseille basks in their Vélodrome magic, the road ahead is daunting. The Benfica match looms, followed by a Ligue 1 showdown with Lyon. Greenwood, now joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals alongside Ousmane Dembélé, faces speculation about his future as his loan deal nears its end. For now, though, he’s focused on keeping Marseille’s title charge alive.
For more on Greenwood’s historic night and Ligue 1’s thrilling race, visit WebTopTrends.com.
