In-form Gouiri helps OM knock Lens off top spot
After a frustrating loss in the Champions League midweek, Olympique de Marseille got back to winning ways against RC Lens at the Vélodrome, beating the northern side 3-1. Catch up on all the action from Marseille with our match report.
Two new faces and a fast start
Olympique de Marseille had had a relatively quiet start to the winter mercato, with the sale of Robinio Vaz their only notable movement until yesterday. That changed in a flash, though, with the arrival of Arsenal attacker Ethan Nwaneri on loan and the permanent signing of Quinten Timber from Feyenoord. Despite only spending one training session with Roberto de Zerbi's side, both were included from the off in a clutch match against second-place RC Lens as the manager rested some elements of his side in the midst of a run of four midweek fixtures.
One figure who retained his place in the eleven was Amine Gouiri. Recently having returned from a long-term injury, it didn't take long for the Algerian to find the net. In the third minute, the ball was played in to his feet by Igor Paixão and after rumbling through a crowd of Lens defenders, he lashed a powerful shot past Robin Risser in the Lens goal. Le Sang et Or were struggling to get to grips with the hosts, and less than ten minutes later, l'OM had doubled their lead, with Nwaneri scoring on his debut following a long run through midfield after which he picked out the bottom corner. From there, Marseille won a series of free kicks, but were unable to add to their lead before the break.
Marseille’s MVP today. Amine Gouiri. 🇩🇿🌟 pic.twitter.com/jkriA6HoP1
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 24, 2026
Gouiri seals the win
After the break, the pace of the match dropped somewhat, and real opportunities were far and few between. It would finally be Gouiri, in the 75th minute, who would strike next, turning in a low cross from Timothy Weah to make it 3-0. Lens would respond with a goal b youngster Rayan Fofana (85') but Le Sang et Or would get no closer, and their winning run came to an unceremonious end in a lively Vélodrôme.
With the three points secured, Marseille are now five points clear of Lyon in fourth, and will be well-rested to face Club Brugge on the road in the Champions League on Wednesday before resuming their Ligue 1 McDonald's season Saturday away to Paris FC. As for Lens, while the result may be frustrating for Le Sang et Or, they'll have the chance to put pressure on new leaders Paris Saint-Germain on Friday as they host Le Havre.
The stat: 6
Amine Gouiri has six goal involvements (five goals, one assist) in his last four matches for Marseille.
