Marseille delivered a statement victory on Saturday afternoon, dismantling Metz with a commanding 3-0 performance at Stade Saint-Symphorien. In a match marked by sustained pressure and technical superiority, Roberto De Zerbi’s men controlled the tempo from the outset, converting dominance into three well-crafted goals in the second half.

From the opening whistle, Marseille asserted control, dictating play with a staggering 62% possession, and launching 21 shots, nine of them on target. Metz, by contrast, managed only four attempts at goal, finding it impossible to disrupt Marseille’s rhythm or threaten Gerónimo Rulli’s goal.

The breakthrough arrived just six minutes into the second half. Igor Paixão finished off a clever move started by striker Robinio Vaz, slotting past the outstretched Metz keeper Jonathan Fischer and opening the scoring in the 51st minute. The goal was emblematic of Marseille’s methodical build-up and relentless probing; Paixão drifted into space, received Vaz’s incisive pass, and swept home for 1-0.

Metz responded with a trio of substitutions to inject fresh legs and salvage a foothold, but Marseille’s midfield—anchored by the tireless Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and creative playmaker Matt O’Riley—remained in complete command.

In the 69th minute, O’Riley doubled the lead, capping a flowing move with a precise finish after Amine Gouiri’s assist. Gouiri drifted wide, pulled Metz’s defense out of shape, and squared for O’Riley, who made no mistake from close range. The goal underlined De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy: rapid transition, incisive passing, and clinical execution.

Marseille’s third and final goal arrived in the 76th minute through Gouiri himself, who exchanged roles with O’Riley—this time, O’Riley threading the assist for Gouiri to convert with authority. The duo’s chemistry and movement typified the visitors’ multi-faceted threat.

Despite a series of late substitutions from both benches, the outcome was beyond doubt by the final quarter-hour. Marseille’s defense, marshaled by Nayef Aguerd and Benjamin Pavard, held firm, allowing Metz just a single shot on target all afternoon. Rulli, tested only once, remained largely untroubled as his side cruised to their fourth win in seven Ligue 1 outings.

This resounding road victory keeps Marseille firmly in the hunt near the top of the table, while Metz, still seeking their first win of the campaign, languishes near the relegation zone. For De Zerbi’s side, the blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance was on full display—a blueprint for further success as the Ligue 1 season intensifies.

Highlights and key moments from the match are available on official recap channels such as beIN SPORTS and FOX Sports, both of which boast robust followership and comprehensive post-match analysis, ensuring fans see every significant play and tactical nuance.

Key Match Statistics:

• Possession: Marseille 62%, Metz 38%
• Total Shots: Marseille 21 (9 on target), Metz 4 (1 on target)
• Pass Accuracy: Marseille 92%, Metz 86%
• Goals: Paixão 51', O'Riley 69', Gouiri 76'

A telling reminder that Marseille, when firing, are as formidable as any side in France’s top flight.