Marseille Fall to Brest in Beye’s Debut as Winless Run Continues

Olympique de Marseille began a new chapter under head coach Habib Beye with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Stade Brestois 29, extending their winless streak in Ligue 1 to four matches for the first time since April 2024.

The match marked Beye’s first outing in charge following the recent managerial change, but the former defender was left with plenty to ponder after a clinical display from the hosts. Marseille had squandered a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw against RC Strasbourg Alsace the previous weekend, and their fragility was again exposed in Brittany.

Despite enjoying early possession, Marseille struggled to translate control into clear-cut opportunities. Brest, by contrast, were incisive and capitalized on defensive lapses. The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute when Ludovic Ajorque opened the scoring. A poor clearance fell to Hugo Magnetti, whose cross took a deflection before reaching Ajorque. The striker powered a header goalward, and although goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli managed to get a touch, he could not prevent the ball from crossing the line.

The early setback visibly unsettled the visitors. Ajorque nearly doubled his tally soon after, firing narrowly wide, while Marseille’s attacking efforts lacked precision. Mason Greenwood delivered a dangerous cross-shot that evaded Amine Gouiri, highlighting the fine margins that defined the first half.

Brest doubled their advantage in the 29th minute, again through Ajorque. Rising above his marker to meet another inviting delivery from Magnetti, he directed a header in off the right-hand post for his third goal in as many matches. The hosts, brimming with confidence, continued to threaten. Junior Dina Ebimbe and Junior Diaz both tested Marseille’s defense, while Ajorque struck the crossbar as he pursued a first-half hat-trick.

At the interval, Beye responded decisively, introducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in an effort to inject urgency into his side’s attack. However, Brest maintained their defensive organization and limited Marseille to speculative efforts. Goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert produced a sharp save to deny Quinten Timber from distance, preserving the hosts’ two-goal cushion.

Marseille continued to press but found clear chances elusive. Gouiri’s looping header drifted wide, and although Rulli was called into action to thwart Dina Ebimbe at the other end, the visitors struggled to build sustained momentum. Beye introduced additional reinforcements midway through the second half, yet the pattern of play remained largely unchanged.

A late opportunity offered Marseille a lifeline when Greenwood was brought down in the penalty area. The forward, who has been among Ligue 1’s most prolific scorers this season, stepped up to take the spot-kick. However, Coudert guessed correctly and produced an excellent save, encapsulating a frustrating evening for the away side.

The victory marked Brest’s fifth win in their last six home league matches, lifting them to 11th place and within striking distance of the top five. For Marseille, attention now turns to a crucial encounter against Olympique Lyonnais as they seek to revive their push for UEFA Champions League qualification and restore confidence under their new manager.

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