Greenwood nets last-minute goal to lift Marseille to Champions League qualification against Le Havre

Marseille clinched their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) after Mason Greenwood’s late goal ensured a 3-1 triumph over relegation-battling Le Havre AC in a tense encounter, which was halted for 25 minutes due to crowd disturbances.

Having secured four points from their last two league games, Le Havre was aware that another positive result against second-placed Marseille could significantly enhance their survival chances.

It was Marseille who took the initiative from the outset, with Amine Gouiri’s close-range attempt being blocked, and Adrien Rabiot narrowly missing with a header from Greenwood’s cross that struck the bar.

As the first half wore on, the visitors continued to pose a threat, with Greenwood going close on two occasions and Rabiot’s further effort comfortably saved by Mathieu Gorgelin.

Despite the pressure, the home side managed to keep the score at bay as half-time approached, demonstrating resilience in defence.

Intent on making their dominance count, Roberto De Zerbi’s team finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg set up Gouiri, who showed composure to finish past Gorgelin for his 12th Ligue strike of the campaign.

Following chances for both Issa Soumare and Jonathan Rowe, the match was momentarily halted due to skirmishes among fans, with play resuming after a lengthy 25-minute break.

Shortly after the restart, Le Havre equalised within three minutes as Josue Casimir delivered a perfect cross that Soumare deftly converted from 12 yards.

This goal instilled a newfound belief in Didier Digard’s men, who nearly went ahead soon after, only for Gerónimo Rulli to execute a brilliant save from Timothee Pembele’s strike.

As the match approached its final quarter-hour, both teams vied for the winning goal, with Yassine Kechta coming close for the hosts with a shot that skimmed narrowly wide.

Ultimately, it was Marseille who executed a moment of brilliance in the 86th minute when Greenwood brilliantly cut inside from the right before unleashing a stunning 25-yard strike into the far corner.

Rulli remained resolute as Le Havre sought an equaliser in stoppage time, while Gouiri capped off the victory with a precise finish in the box, securing UCL football for Les Phocéens and a remarkable tenth consecutive win over their opponents.

Find the match summary here.