OM – Lorient (4-0): The Vélodrome finds its voice before Madrid

An Evening of Relief and Promises

Finally, the Vélodrome roared the way it knows how. This Friday, September 12, 2025, Olympique de Marseille claimed a 4-0 victory over FC Lorient on Matchday 4 of Ligue 1. A resounding win, built within the first half-hour, offering Marseille’s supporters a blend of relief and hope — just three days before a monumental clash at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid.

OM did exactly what was expected: seize control of the game, kill the suspense early, and finally display the full power of their XXL squad. Lorient, reduced to ten men in the 9th minute, never stood a chance against an Olympian side on full display. But beyond the scoreline, it is the image projected that marks a turning point.

A Sparkling Start

From the opening minutes, the Phocéens imposed their pressing and tempo. Greenwood, already lively, saw his first attempt stopped by Mvogo (5’). Then came the turning point: Murillo, released into the box by Kondogbia, was pulled back by Yongwa. Penalty and red card, a double punishment for Lorient. Greenwood converted with authority (1-0, 9’).

With eleven against ten, the Vélodrome sensed a one-sided evening. Pavard, handed his first start, confirmed that impression. From a Greenwood corner, the world champion surged at the near post to head home unstoppably (2-0, 20’). A perfect way to begin his Marseille story.

Then came Angel Gomes’ gem. In the 33rd minute, the Englishman pounced on a poorly cleared ball and fired a brilliant half-volley into the top corner. The Vélodrome erupted (3-0).

Controlled Management in the Second Half

With a three-goal lead and a depleted opponent, OM naturally eased off after the break. De Zerbi rotated his squad: Emerson, Højbjerg, Paixao, then Vermeeren all got playing time. Greenwood nearly grabbed a second (75’), but it was ultimately Nayef Aguerd who put the icing on the cake. His deflected long-range strike sealed Lorient’s fate (4-0, 90+3’).

The second half lacked the fireworks of the first, but it confirmed one thing: OM can now control a game, keep a clean sheet, and give minutes to their new signings.

Reactions: Between Satisfaction and Caution

Roberto De Zerbi (OM coach)

“We played really well in every aspect: pressing, tempo… We created many chances. It feels like the season started today. But it’s already Matchday 4, and that bothers me. The new arrivals came late, so we need to speed things up.”

On what’s next:

“In Madrid, we’ll need to be humble and brave. We’re going there to get a result.”

Angel Gomes (OM scorer)

“We scored quickly, but we knew we had to stay focused. There’s so much quality in this squad. We have a great team, but we need to keep our cool.”

Benjamin Pavard (OM defender)

“Scoring in my very first game here is huge. But more important than my goal was the way we played. We imposed our tempo. I found what I came here for: the Vélodrome’s intensity.”

Olivier Pantaloni (Lorient coach)

“The red card and penalty killed the match. After that, it was mission impossible. Still, I want to see pride. We need to lift our heads quickly.”

Individuals: New Signings Already Influential

The ratings say it all. Murillo (8) was everywhere: solid at the back, sharp going forward, and decisive in winning the penalty. Pavard (7.5) had a dream debut, scoring and displaying leadership. Aguerd (7.5), the defensive boss, was rewarded late on. Greenwood (7.5) dazzled: scoring, assisting, and constantly creating.

Angel Gomes (7) delivered his best OM performance, combining work rate with a superb goal. At the back, De Lange (6) had a calm but reassuring night. Kondogbia (6.5) showed he can be the architect of transitions. Only Gouiri (5.5), injured, and O’Riley (5.5), still adapting, left mixed impressions.

Tactical Analysis: False 3-5-2 or True 4-2-3-1?

Many observers described OM’s setup as a 3-5-2. The reality is more subtle. Defensively, De Zerbi stuck with his usual 4-2-3-1, but near-total domination (almost 75% possession) pushed Murillo very high, sometimes making it look like a 3-4-3.

In truth, the system didn’t change: two centre-backs (Pavard-Aguerd), one attacking full-back (Murillo), and another more restrained (Medina). What mattered was the fluidity: high pressing, immediate counter-pressing, full-backs stepping into midfield. As De Zerbi repeated: “What counts isn’t the formation — it’s speed and discipline.”

Against Lorient, that approach worked perfectly. What remains to be seen is whether the same balance will hold in Madrid, against an opponent used to monopolizing the ball.

The Gouiri Case: Concern Before Madrid

The only dark cloud concerns Amine Gouiri. The striker left the pitch before halftime, clutching his shoulder after a clash with Meïté. De Zerbi admitted his uncertainty: “We need to see if he’ll be fit for Tuesday.”

If confirmed, his absence would be a blow. Aubameyang, still being eased back, could take over, but Gouiri seemed to be finding form. OM is holding its breath.

The Vélodrome, Fortress Restored

Beyond the performance, the numbers speak: 82% home win rate in 2025, no defeat since March. The Vélodrome is once again a fortress. The bond between players and fans, sometimes fractured in August, reappeared as early as the third goal. The final celebration, with Aguerd and Pavard applauded, brought smiles back.

And Now, Real Madrid

It’s hard to imagine a better springboard before facing Real Madrid. True, Lorient never put up a fight. True, everything still has to be proven against the Madrid giant. But this victory changes everything: confidence, momentum, chemistry.

De Zerbi knows it: “We’ll have to be brave. But tonight, my players showed me they have both the desire and the quality.”

Marseille didn’t just win a match. They rediscovered their identity. And perhaps, their destiny.

Final score: OM 4-0 FC Lorient

⚽ Greenwood (9’, pen), Pavard (20’), Gomes (33’), Aguerd (90+3’)