Greenwood Brace Ignites Marseille Victory and Pitch Chaos

Mason Greenwood brace powered Marseille to a commanding 5-1 triumph over Nice in a fiery Ligue 1 derby that was as notable for its drama as its football quality. The former Manchester United star’s double not only propelled his side to the top of Ligue 1 but also sparked chaotic scenes on and off the pitch.

Mason Greenwood Brace Drives Marseille Past Nice

Mason Greenwood brace was the highlight at Allianz Riviera, where Marseille overcame their bitter Riviera rivals Nice in spectacular fashion. Greenwood, now the Ligue 1 top goalscorer, struck twice, taking his tally to 10 goals in 13 matches this season and helping Roberto De Zerbi’s team leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain at the league summit.

The evening began brightly for Marseille as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Greenwood soon doubled the lead in style, shifting onto his right and seeing his effort deflect past a helpless Yehvann Diouf. That strike sparked exuberant celebrations in front of the Nice ultras—a move that inflamed tensions in the stands.

Derby Marred by Brawls and Fan Incident

The match quickly turned chaotic when Marseille’s defender Emerson Palmieri was struck by a lighter, thrown from the stands. Referee Jeremie Pignard was forced to intervene, presenting the lighter to the match delegate and calling both squads to the touchline. Despite these efforts, tempers flared, and a mass brawl broke out near the dugouts, with Marseille keeper Geronimo Rulli and Nice’s Ali Al-Abdi at the center. Both were shown yellow cards for their involvement.

Nice players protested Greenwood’s first goal, alleging a foul by Aubameyang in the build-up, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood, and play resumed following a three-minute delay.

Greenwood and Marseille Extend Lead

Once tempers cooled, Marseille asserted their dominance. Greenwood netted his second—and Marseille’s third—just after halftime. Timothy Weah and Igor Paixao added further strikes, sealing an emphatic win. The result sent De Zerbi’s in-form side to the top of Ligue 1, pending PSG’s clash with Le Havre.

Mason Greenwood: Ligue 1’s Leading Marksman

Mason Greenwood’s brace not only secured the victory but also saw him move ahead of Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli in the race for the Ligue 1 Golden Boot. Greenwood’s transition from the Premier League, following his move from Manchester United amid legal controversies, has been remarkable. After a brief loan at Getafe, Greenwood has flourished at Marseille, scoring 21 league goals last season and now leading the scoring charts once again.

The England youth international has expressed contentment with life at Marseille, stating in July, “I hope to be here again next year and play in the Champions League. I had a baby here with my girlfriend, I feel at home, it’s a really special place. Not many people have the opportunity to come to Marseille and play for such an amazing club.”

Looking Ahead: Champions League Ambitions

Marseille’s focus now shifts to European competition, as they prepare to host Newcastle in the Champions League. With only one win in four group matches so far, the French side will lean on Greenwood’s red-hot form to revive their European hopes. De Zerbi recognizes the need to build on the Nice result: “Naturally, it is a good thing [to win], it fills us with enthusiasm, and it is a moral boost. And it is good for the standings too. It is important for Newcastle and Toulouse. We need to put that win [against Nice] aside now and move on.”

Opinion: Greenwood’s Redemption and Marseille’s Grit

Greenwood’s resurgence is one of Ligue 1’s standout stories this season. His ability to deliver on the big stage, despite previous off-field issues, underlines his class and determination. Marseille’s spirited performance against Nice shows they have the talent and mentality to challenge for top honours, but discipline—on and off the pitch—remains crucial as the season intensifies. For more news, visit for more news.