Aguerd Shines as Marseille Stun PSG in Thrilling Le Classique
Marseille vs PSG served up a memorable night at the Stade Vélodrome as summer signing Nayef Aguerd’s decisive performance helped Les Olympiens secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the latest edition of Le Classique. The Moroccan centre-back, making his debut in the fiercely contested derby after arriving from West Ham, not only scored the winning goal but also played a pivotal role in shutting down the reigning Ligue 1 champions’ attacking threat.
Marseille vs PSG: Aguerd’s Heroics Seal the Night
Aguerd described the occasion as “frankly incredible,” expressing immense pride in both the result and his own personal contribution. “To win my first Le Classique, and to do it in front of our home fans, is something I’ll never forget,” Aguerd told reporters after the match. “We knew PSG are always a threat, but we followed our plan perfectly.”
The defender’s 63rd-minute header from a perfectly delivered free-kick was enough to separate the sides. Throughout the game, Aguerd marshalled the Marseille defense with composure, making key interventions and demonstrating why the club moved quickly in the summer to secure his signature.
De Zerbi’s Tactical Blueprint: How Marseille Controlled PSG
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi emerged as a key figure in the triumph, with his tactical acumen proving decisive. “Coach De Zerbi prepared us so well,” Aguerd revealed. “He knew exactly how we needed to press, how to cut off their main threats, and how to make the most of our set-pieces. Everyone bought into the strategy.”
De Zerbi set up his side to frustrate PSG’s stars, exploiting the absence of several key players in the opposition lineup. Marseille were disciplined in midfield, denying space for PSG’s creative playmakers and holding firm in defense. When opportunities arose, the hosts transitioned quickly, with Aguerd and his fellow defenders ensuring PSG never found their rhythm.
PSG’s Struggles Without Key Players
Paris Saint-Germain came into the match missing several of their top talents due to injury and suspension, and the lack of depth was evident throughout. Despite dominating possession for periods, PSG struggled to create clear chances, with Marseille’s defensive organization stifling their usual fluidity.
The defeat is a blow to PSG’s title ambitions and serves as a reminder of their vulnerability when rotated or missing key personnel. For Marseille, it was an opportunity to make a statement, and they did so with confidence and grit.
Nayef Aguerd: The New Leader in Marseille’s Defense
For Aguerd, the performance was a personal milestone. Signed from West Ham to add experience and assurance at the back, he has quickly endeared himself to the fanbase. His leadership, aerial prowess, and calmness under pressure were central to Marseille’s success in this high-stakes fixture.
“My teammates made me feel at home right away,” Aguerd said. “Tonight we showed unity, discipline, and heart. That’s what it takes to win Le Classique.”
What This Result Means for the Ligue 1 Title Race
Marseille’s victory reignites the league campaign and injects new optimism into their season. The three points narrow the gap at the top of Ligue 1, putting pressure on PSG and signaling that the title race is far from over. Momentum will be key in the coming weeks, with both teams facing challenging fixtures ahead.
With performances like this, Marseille have shown they can compete with the very best. Their supporters, who created a thunderous atmosphere throughout the evening, will hope this famous win is a sign of things to come.
Looking Ahead: Can Marseille Maintain This Level?
As Marseille move forward, the challenge will be to replicate this level of performance consistently. De Zerbi’s tactical masterclass and Aguerd’s defensive heroics provide a blueprint for success, but the season is long and demanding. For now, Marseille can savor a famous Le Classique win that will be remembered for years.
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Opinion: Aguerd and De Zerbi Signify a New Era for Marseille
In my view, this victory was more than just three points; it signals a shift in mentality at Marseille. With leaders like Nayef Aguerd at the back and the tactical intelligence of Roberto De Zerbi, Les Olympiens have the tools to challenge PSG’s dominance. The unity and resolve displayed against their fiercest rivals suggest that Marseille could be genuine contenders in both domestic and European competitions this season.
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