PLAYER RATINGS | Marseille 2-1 Lens: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Pape Gueye punish wasteful Les Sang et Or

It was always going to be a bitter pill for Olympique de Marseille to swallow, even if the news was expected. Paris Saint-Germain had become champions for the twelfth time. An early strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could do little to lift the gloom that set upon the Stade Vélodrome as they hosted RC Lens.  

The troubles that have plagued Les Sang et Or this season reared their ugly head as they searched for a desperate attempt to place themselves in Champions League contention with only three games remaining. The league’s best defence last season struggled to meet those same high standards, and it was all too easy for Marseille’s top scorer to provide a sucker punch to start the game. 

The first few exchanges promised an open game as sixth travelled to seventh. Elye Wahi squandered a dangerous opportunity, while Brice Samba was able to prevent Aubameyang from doubling the deficit. The shots became less dangerous but the game was no less open. 

Marseille controlled possession with Lens looking to chase down their hosts and launch their trademark quick counters as they steamed down the wings. Pau López was called into action more than he would have liked, the Marseille goalkeeper having to save a Kevin Danso header to keep the hosts in the lead. 

It looked as if the second half would keep the openness of the first forty-five minutes alive when Jordan Veretout had a brilliant opportunity to shoot at Samba’s goal when he received the ball one-on-one with the keeper. However, the game eventually settled into a slower tempo. 

Both sides struggled to find consistent chances as they were bogged down into a battle for control in the middle of the pitch. It was almost as soon as Lens looked at their least dangerous that they