Olympique Marseille came from behind to beat Lyon 3-2 away from home after being reduced to 10 men early in the match on Sunday courtesy of a 95th-minute winner by Jonathan Rowe. The result sent Roberto De Zerbi's resurgent side second in Ligue 1, level on 13 points with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco but with an inferior goal difference to PSG.

Lyon's Chaotic Start

Ex-Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car opened the scoring for Lyon in a chaotic 'Olympico' derby, marked by late goals and an early red card. Pol Lirola levelled for Marseille, before Ulisses Garcia sent them ahead with under 10 minutes remaining. Rayan Cherki looked to have claimed a point for Lyon in the third minute of added time only for Rowe to piledrive a winner for Marseille from the edge of the box two minutes later.

Marseille's Early Red Card

The match lived up to its feisty billing as one of France's most intense rivalries with Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi picking up a yellow card inside 30 seconds for a heavy challenge on Corentin Tolisso. The Marseille captain then got his marching orders inside five minutes for a second bookable offence when he hauled down Alexandre Lacazette.

First-Half Controversy

A man to the good, Lyon dominated but failed to translate this onto the scoresheet. First-half controversy then continued when deep in added time, Lyon were awarded a penalty for handball after a lengthy VAR review. Lacazette's effort from 12 yards was repelled by Geronimo Rulli and the Lyon captain, under intense pressure from the following-in defence, could only blaze the rebound well over the crossbar.

Lyon's Missed Opportunities

Despite being a man down, Marseille were able to hold Lyon at bay for most of the match. Lyon, however, continued to create chances, and eventually found the back of the net in the 53rd minute through Caleta-Car's header. Lirola levelled for Marseille in the 69th minute, Garcia put Marseille ahead again in the 82nd minute before Cherki, finally, equalised in the 93rd minute. Just two minutes later, Rowe came up with the game-winning goal.

De Zerbi's Impact on Marseille

The victory was a testament to De Zerbi's impact on the team. Since taking charge, Marseille have been a much more attacking force, and they are now firmly in the title race. The win over Lyon will give them a huge boost of confidence as they prepare for the rest of the season.

Lyon's Next Challenge

For Lyon, the defeat is a setback, but they will need to bounce back quickly. Their next game is a UEFA Europa League match against Olympiacos, who won last season’s Conference League. Lyon will be looking to make a strong start to their European campaign, and they will need to find a way to improve defensively.

Key Takeaways from the Match

The match between Lyon and Marseille was a thrilling encounter, with plenty of drama, goals, and controversy. It was a reminder of the intensity of the rivalry between the two clubs, and it was a great advertisement for Ligue 1. Here are some key takeaways from the match:

• Marseille’s attacking depth is a major asset. De Zerbi has assembled a formidable attack, and the likes of Greenwood, Henrique, and Maupay are all capable of scoring goals. Marseille’s attacking prowess is evident, as they have scored 12 goals in their first four matches, an impressive statistic.

• Lyon’s defence is still a major concern. The eight goals they have conceded in their first four matches is a worrying sign, and they will need to improve in this area if they want to challenge for the title. Lyon’s defensive shortcomings are further evidenced by their inability to contain Marseille’s attack in a match where they were a man up.

• Jonathan Rowe is a valuable asset to Marseille. The substitute scored the game-winning goal, showcasing his talent and ability to change the tide of a match. The fact that Rowe was able to score against a team that was a man up is even more impressive.

• This was a match full of goals and excitement, and it was a great advertisement for the league. This is a derby match that always creates interest. The intense rivalry between the two teams was on full display during the match, and it’s always a game where a great deal of passion is evident.

What’s Next for Lyon and Marseille?

Marseille will be looking to continue their winning run when they host Montpellier at the Stade Vélodrome next week. Lyon will be looking to get back on track when they travel to play Lorient in a match that will be played on the road next weekend.

The next few weeks will be crucial for both teams, as they look to establish themselves in the Ligue 1 title race and secure their places in European competition.

Final Thoughts

The match between Lyon and Marseille was a thrilling encounter that had it all: goals, red cards, and a dramatic late winner. The win for Marseille is a significant statement, and it shows that they are a serious contender for the Ligue 1 title. Lyon will need to find a way to improve their defensive shortcomings if they want to stay in the title race.