Ligue 1: Gakpé Strike Stuns Marseille as Nantes Secure Valuable Victory
Nantes produced a spirited performance to claim a 1-0 win over Marseille on Friday night, dealing a blow to the visitors’ European ambitions and boosting their own Ligue 1 campaign.
The decisive moment came midway through the first half at Stade de la Beaujoire, when Togolese international Serge Gakpé capitalised on a defensive error. Marseille’s Rod Fanni played a wayward back pass, and goalkeeper Steve Mandanda slipped at the crucial moment, allowing Gakpé to slot the ball into an empty net.
The goal was enough to hand Nantes all three points in a tightly contested encounter, and the win was met with jubilation by Michel Der Zakarian’s squad, who now sit on 43 points.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the final whistle, defender Issa Cissokho praised the team’s commitment and tactical discipline.
“We played a great game tonight,” he said. “We were determined to take points from this match. Everyone gave their all—starters and substitutes alike.”
Cissokho acknowledged the physical demands of the match, but credited the team’s ability to stay organized and focused throughout.
“Physically it was tough, but the coach gave us clear instructions, and we followed them. We managed the game well and disrupted Marseille’s rhythm. I think it worked brilliantly.”
The result is particularly significant for Nantes, who have struggled for consistency in the latter half of the season. Beating a side of Marseille’s stature, especially as they push for a Champions League place, will serve as a major morale boost.
For Marseille, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to apply pressure on the top three. Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who began the season in electric form, have stumbled in recent weeks and now face increased competition from rivals in the race for Europe.
As for Gakpé, his instinctive finish marked his fourth goal of the Ligue 1 campaign and reinforced his importance to a Nantes side that often relies on moments of individual brilliance.
Nantes will hope to build on this result in their remaining fixtures, while Marseille face growing scrutiny as their once-promising season threatens to unravel.
