Mason Greenwood & Co Shine as Marseille Deliver Champions League ‘Perfection’ Against Ajax
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has lavished praise on his players after they hammered Ajax

Mason Greenwood & Co Shine as Marseille Deliver Champions League ‘Perfection’ Against Ajax

The Orange Vélodrome was rocking on Tuesday night as Olympique de Marseille produced a performance that their coach Roberto De Zerbi described as “perfect.” In a 4-0 demolition of Dutch giants Ajax, Marseille looked every bit like a side capable of mixing it with Europe’s elite. Mason Greenwood was once again on the scoresheet, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolled back the years with a goal and two assists, and new signing Igor Paixao stole the headlines with a blistering first-half double.

For De Zerbi, who took over the Marseille project in the summer, it was a night that confirmed his ideas are starting to take shape. His team played with aggression, fluency, and confidence, leaving Ajax—once European royalty—completely outclassed.


Marseille Magic: Greenwood, Aubameyang & Paixao Lead Ajax Thrashing

It took just six minutes for the home crowd to sense something special was unfolding. Igor Paixao, signed with big expectations, finally announced himself with his first goal for Marseille, courtesy of a clever assist from Aubameyang. Moments later, in the 12th minute, the Brazilian struck again, this time capitalising on Ajax’s disjointed defending to double the lead.

Before Ajax had time to gather themselves, Greenwood added a third. Set up once again by Aubameyang, the English forward showed composure inside the box, calmly tucking the ball past the goalkeeper in the 26th minute. The Vélodrome erupted—3-0 before half an hour had been played.

If the first half belonged to Paixao, the second half was Aubameyang’s moment to shine. Just seven minutes after the restart, Marseille broke forward with speed. Paixao, not content with only scoring, turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass that the veteran striker finished with aplomb. At 4-0, the contest was over, and Marseille eased their way through the final stages, denying Ajax any opportunity to claw back dignity.


De Zerbi Delights in Marseille’s ‘Perfect’ Performance

After the final whistle, De Zerbi could hardly hide his satisfaction. “We played an incredible match, the team was truly extraordinary,” he told reporters. “The first half was perfect, almost perfect. The team was very young, but competent. They can cause problems for any opponent. We attacked well, defended well, and showed great personality.”

The Italian coach also highlighted the challenge of maintaining intensity for 90 minutes, something his side has struggled with in certain domestic fixtures. “Like against PSG, in the second half we were a bit more tired. But we’ve conceded only one goal in the last three matches, so the progress is clear.”

For Marseille fans, these words offered a reassuring glimpse of where De Zerbi intends to take this squad—a youthful, energetic team playing fearless attacking football on the European stage.


A Steady Start for De Zerbi’s Men in Ligue 1

While the Champions League result has lifted spirits, Marseille’s domestic form remains a mixed bag. After six games in Ligue 1, they sit third with 12 points, having won four and lost two. Their biggest high point came in a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain last month, a statement win that hinted at their potential.

Yet, inconsistency has been the theme. At home, Marseille have looked dangerous, carving teams open with creativity and movement. Away from the Vélodrome, however, they’ve struggled to find rhythm and goals. Injuries to key midfielders Geoffrey Kondogbia and Hamed Traoré have not helped, though both are expected to return soon.

For De Zerbi, the challenge is to translate the energy and precision shown against Ajax into week-to-week consistency in Ligue 1. If Marseille want to sustain a title challenge, they’ll need to conquer their away-day blues.


Greenwood Leading the Charge Again

Perhaps the most eye-catching story in Marseille’s rise is the form of Mason Greenwood. After leaving Manchester United in 2023 following dropped criminal charges, the Englishman has rebuilt his career in France. Last season, he finished as joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals alongside Ousmane Dembélé. This year, he looks determined to go even further.

His strike against Ajax underlined his clinical instincts. More than just a poacher, Greenwood has developed into a complete forward, linking play with Aubameyang and Paixao while also carrying a constant goal threat. Off the pitch, speculation continues to swirl around his international future. Greenwood is said to be considering switching allegiance from England to Jamaica, a move that would mark yet another turning point in his turbulent but promising career.

For Marseille, though, there is no such uncertainty. He is their star man, the figurehead of a frontline that, on nights like this, looks capable of dismantling anyone in Europe.


Ajax’s Struggles Highlight the Contrast

As much as Marseille dazzled, Ajax disappointed. The Dutch side, once famed for their fearless attacking football, were timid and toothless in France. Two shots on target all evening told its own story. With back-to-back defeats in the Champions League group stage following a 2-0 loss to Inter Milan, Ajax face an uphill battle to avoid an early European exit.

Their lack of composure and defensive disarray played into Marseille’s hands. Against De Zerbi’s relentless press, Ajax never found the rhythm that has historically defined their style. For their travelling supporters, it was a painful reminder of how far the club has slipped from its golden eras.


Marseille’s European Campaign Back on Track

The 4-0 victory handed Marseille their first points of the group stage after an opening defeat to Real Madrid. With Inter Milan and Ajax also in the group, Marseille know that every point is precious if they are to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

De Zerbi’s men will draw confidence from this result. Not only did they win, but they dominated from the first whistle to the last. For a young squad still finding its identity, this could serve as a defining moment—a statement that Marseille are not just in the Champions League to make up the numbers.


Conclusion: A Night of ‘Perfection’ for Marseille

When Roberto De Zerbi called the performance “perfect,” he was not exaggerating. From Paixao’s breakthrough brace to Greenwood’s cool finish and Aubameyang’s veteran brilliance, everything clicked. The defense was solid, the midfield pressed intelligently, and the attack flowed with pace and precision.

For Marseille, the challenge now is to bottle this energy and spread it across the long campaign ahead. If they can do that—if they can balance European excellence with domestic consistency—they might just turn De Zerbi’s promising start into something historic.

At the Orange Vélodrome, they showed Europe what they are capable of. And for Greenwood & Co, the journey is only just beginning.

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