Marseille 2-1 Nîmes
International Club Friendly | 31 July 2026, 00:00 local time

Olympique Marseille edged out Ligue 2 side Nîmes Olympique 2-1 in a closely fought pre-season friendly. The derby-style clash, played behind closed doors at the Robert-Diochon Stadium in Le Petit-Quevilly, offered both sides valuable minutes as they build towards their respective league campaigns.

Match Overview

Marseille, under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, controlled possession but needed late drama to secure the win. Nîmes, physically aggressive and well-organised, took a surprise lead before half-time. The Ligue 1 side responded after the break, with a well-worked equaliser before a penalty decided the contest.

Key Moments

• 33’ – Nîmes forward Aliou Badji capitalises on a defensive lapse to slot home from 10 yards.
• 58’ – Marseille’s Amine Harit drives into the box and pulls the ball back for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who sweeps home the equaliser.
• 82’ – A handball in the Nîmes box gives Marseille a penalty; Jonathan Rowe calmly sends the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.

Standout Players

Jonathan Rowe, the young winger on a season-long loan from Norwich, impressed with his direct running and composure from the spot. For Marseille, the partnership between Aubameyang and Amine Harit showed flashes of promise. Nîmes goalkeeper Lucas Dias kept his side in the game with several saves, particularly in the first half.

Preseason Implications

Marseille continue their unbeaten pre-season run as De Zerbi experiments with a 3-4-2-1 formation. The team still looks for defensive solidity, but the attacking patterns are developing. Nîmes, eyeing promotion back to Ligue 1 after a three-year absence, will take heart from their competitive display against a much higher-ranked opponent.