Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turns spotlight from fire extinguisher row to match-winning display

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put recent controversy behind him in emphatic fashion, finding the net as Olympique de Marseille powered to a 3-1 victory over Stade Rennais FC to secure UEFA Europa League football on the final day of the Ligue 1 season.

The Gabonese forward, who had been in the spotlight following a dressing room incident involving a fire extinguisher earlier in the week, delivered the perfect on-pitch response with a composed finish that capped a dominant evening at the Stade Vélodrome.

His contribution helped Marseille climb into fifth place, leapfrogging Rennes, who slipped into the UEFA Conference League qualification spot on goal difference.

Rennes arrived in the south of France knowing a point would guarantee them a Europa League berth, while also harbouring slim hopes of breaking into the top four. However, those ambitions unravelled almost immediately as Marseille stormed into control with a blistering start.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg set the tone inside two minutes, calmly guiding a low effort beyond goalkeeper Mathys Silistrie after finding space on the edge of the area. The early breakthrough energised the hosts and left Rennes struggling to regain composure.

Moments later, the visitors’ defensive frailties were exposed again when Amine Gouiri capitalised on hesitation at the back. Charging down Silistrie’s attempted clearance, Gouiri forced the ball into the net to double Marseille’s advantage and deepen Rennes’ early misery.

Stunned by the rapid double blow, Rennes gradually worked their way into the contest. Ludovic Blas forced Gerónimo Rulli into a sharp near-post save, offering a glimpse of a possible response. Rulli was then called upon again to produce an even finer stop, tipping Musa Al-Taamari’s curling strike onto the crossbar.

Any hopes of a Rennes comeback were effectively extinguished early in the second half, when Aubameyang delivered his decisive moment.

After Marseille regained possession high up the pitch, the striker showed composure and precision to lift a delicate chip beyond Silistrie, restoring a commanding cushion and igniting celebrations among the home supporters.

Rennes refused to fade quietly and found a lifeline late on through Esteban Lepaul, who demonstrated his predatory instincts with a powerful header from Arnaud Nordin’s delivery. The goal, his 21st of the league campaign, briefly injected tension into the closing stages.

However, Marseille remained in control and saw out the contest with authority, ensuring a return to European competition next season. For Rennes, the defeat proved costly, dropping them into sixth place and leaving their European fate dependent on results elsewhere, including the outcome of the Coupe de France final.

On a night defined by high stakes and shifting fortunes, it was Aubameyang who seized the narrative, answering off-field questions with a performance that underlined his enduring quality.