Ethan Nwaneri marked his Ligue 1 arrival in emphatic fashion as Marseille brought Lens’ 10-match winning run to an abrupt end with a 3–1 victory at the Stade Vélodrome, a result that denied the visitors a return to the top of the table.
The spotlight belonged to Nwaneri, whose first start for Marseille produced a debut league goal of real quality. With Paris Saint-Germain having edged Auxerre a night earlier, Lens knew only a win would lift them back to the summit.
Instead, they were left chasing a game shaped by Marseille’s early intensity and the composure of a 21-year-old midfielder playing with fearless confidence.
Lens’ plans unravelled almost immediately. Inside three minutes, a sweeping move from the hosts saw Igor Paixão release Amine Gouiri, whose effort took a decisive deflection on its way past Robin Risser. That early setback only fuelled Marseille’s belief, and Gouiri continued to test the Lens back line with direct running and early shots.
The defining moment of the first half arrived in the 13th minute and carried Nwaneri’s signature. Picking up possession in midfield, the former Hale End graduate drove forward with purpose, slipped inside Malang Sarr and guided a precise finish into the bottom corner. It was a goal that spoke of confidence, balance and maturity well beyond his years.
Lens struggled to respond with any fluency before the break, Odsonne Édouard blazing their best opening over the bar. A brighter start after the restart hinted at a response, but fouls and stoppages disrupted any rhythm the visitors tried to establish.
Roberto De Zerbi eventually withdrew Nwaneri to applause, introducing Mason Greenwood as Marseille looked to manage the contest. Gouiri then struck again on 75 minutes, converting Timothy Weah’s cross to effectively seal the outcome after a VAR check upheld the goal.
Although Rayan Fofana pulled one back late on, it was little more than consolation. The defeat marked the first time since April that Lens had conceded three goals in a match, a damaging blow in the title race.
For Marseille, attention now turns to Europe, while Lens regroup ahead of a home meeting with Le Havre. Yet the evening belonged to Nwaneri, whose debut goal not only set the tone but announced his arrival on France’s biggest domestic stage.
