Marseille delivered a resounding statement in the UEFA Champions League group stage Tuesday night, crushing Ajax 4-0 at a raucous Orange Vélodrome to secure their first points of the European campaign. Brazilian winger Igor Paixão dazzled with two early goals, while veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turned in a vintage performance with two assists and a second-half strike of his own.

The French hosts wasted no time imposing their will. Inside six minutes, Aubameyang split the Ajax defense with a clever first-time pass, releasing Paixão down the left for a powerful low finish. The Dutch visitors, already on the back foot, barely had time to regroup before Paixão struck again in the 12th minute—this time capitalizing on Arthur Vermeeren’s ball-winning in midfield and dispatching another precise shot past a stranded Ajax keeper.

Marseille’s relentless tempo and incisive movement saw them extend their lead before the half-hour. Aubameyang, orchestrating play from deep, spun away from his marker and threaded a perfect ball for Mason Greenwood, who coolly slotted home his first Champions League goal for the club in the 26th minute.

Ajax, out of sorts and lacking composure, struggled for any foothold. Their best chance of the night came late, when substitute Oliver Edvardsen lifted a close-range effort over the bar—a moment that summed up the Dutch side’s miseries.

Any hopes of an Ajax revival evaporated early in the second half. Marseille broke with devastating speed after defending a set piece; Vermeeren surged forward, released Paixão, who unselfishly squared for Aubameyang to tap in Marseille’s fourth in the 52nd minute. From there, the hosts managed the game with authority, drawing roars from the Vélodrome faithful and further boosting their prospects in a challenging group.

Paixão’s electric display—two goals and an assist—set the tone, but Aubameyang’s leadership and vision were equally pivotal, as the Gabonese striker tormented Ajax’s backline all night. Greenwood, meanwhile, offered further evidence of his growing influence in Marseille’s attack.

For Ajax, the defeat marks a fourth consecutive loss in European competition, deepening their woes and raising questions about their defensive fragility and lack of attacking spark. Marseille, meanwhile, will take immense confidence from this emphatic win, knowing that their Champions League campaign is truly up and running, and the Vélodrome remains one of Europe’s most intimidating arenas.