Marseille put on a dazzling display at the Stade Vélodrome as they thrashed Ajax 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League. Igor Paixão scored twice inside the opening 15 minutes, Mason Greenwood added a third before the half-hour mark, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed the result early in the second half. The French side dominated from start to finish, condemning Ajax to another heavy European defeat.
Goals Timeline
- 6’ – Igor Paixão slotted home after latching onto a through ball.
- 12’ – Paixão doubled the lead with a powerful finish from inside the box.
- 28’ – Mason Greenwood curled in a brilliant strike to make it 3-0.
- 52’ – Aubameyang scored from close range after Paixão’s assist.
Key Match Insights
- Marseille’s 4-0 win was their biggest Champions League home victory since 2009, when they beat FC Zürich 6-1.
- At 36 years old, Aubameyang became the oldest player to register 3+ goal involvements (1 goal, 2 assists) in a single Champions League match for a French side.
- Ajax have now lost a European Cup/Champions League match by 4+ goals for the eighth time in their history.
- Marseille had six shots on target compared to Ajax’s two, highlighting their clinical edge.
- The French club are unbeaten in their last three home games in European competition.
Match Commentary
From the first whistle, Marseille looked determined to make a statement. Paixão opened the scoring with a cool finish before doubling his tally six minutes later, putting Ajax immediately on the back foot. Greenwood then produced a stunning curling strike that sent the Stade Vélodrome into raptures.
In the second half, Aubameyang showed his experience, pouncing on Paixão’s assist to extend the lead to four. Ajax, despite more possession, struggled to break through Marseille’s defense and were limited to long-range efforts. The Dutch side now face an uphill battle in their group campaign, while Marseille look in fine form moving forward.
Stats Snapshot
- Shots: Marseille 9 – 13 Ajax
- Shots on Target: Marseille 6 – 2 Ajax
- Possession: Marseille 47% – 53% Ajax
- Pass Accuracy: Marseille 86% – 87% Ajax
- Corners: Marseille 0 – 7 Ajax
Lineups
Marseille (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Pavard, Aguerd, Medina, Emerson; O’Riley, Vermeeren; Greenwood, Nadir, Paixão; Aubameyang.
Ajax (4-3-3): Jaros; Wijndal, Baas, Itakura, Rosa; Taylor, Regeer, Klaassen; Godts, Gloukh, Berghuis.
Substitutes: Egan-Riley, Gomes, Weah, Højbjerg, Murillo, Gouiri, de Lange, Vaz, van Neck (Marseille). Gaaei, Moro, Edvardsen, Mokio, Šutalo, Konadu, Pasveer, Fitz-Jim, Alders, Bounida, Reverson (Ajax).
Managers: Roberto De Zerbi (Marseille), John Heitinga (Ajax).
Final Thoughts
Marseille were clinical and ruthless, delivering a result that cements their strong position in the group. For Ajax, this heavy defeat highlights their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cutting edge up front. The French side’s blend of youth and experience is proving dangerous, while Ajax must regroup quickly if they are to salvage their European campaign.
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