Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui scored a dramatic last-minute goal as Lens defeated Marseille 1-0 at the Stade Vélodrome on Saturday, ending their opponent’s seven-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1.
With Paris Saint-Germain comfortably leading the league, Marseille focused on securing a UEFA Champions League spot.
They controlled the first half, creating several chances. The first real opportunity came when Amine Gouiri’s powerful shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Lens goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
Lens responded with Andy Diouf forcing a save from Marseille’s Geronimo Rulli, but the home side kept pushing.
Gouiri tested Ryan again, while Leonardo Balerdi’s looping header landed on the roof of the net. Despite the pressure, Marseille could not break the deadlock before halftime.
The second half was intense but produced fewer goal-scoring chances, as both teams battled in midfield.
Both managers made substitutions to change the game, with Roberto De Zerbi bringing on Jonathan Rowe and Mason Greenwood for Marseille, while Will Still introduced Anass Zaroury for Lens.
As full-time neared, Ryan made two outstanding saves to deny Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay.
Those stops proved crucial, as Lens struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Deiver Machado set up El Aynaoui, who controlled the ball and fired a stunning shot into the top corner, securing a crucial win for the visitors.
