Greenwood Shines as Marseille Secures Champions League Victory
Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood scored twice, leading Marseille to a crucial Champions League victory against Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Belgian side took an early lead in the fifth minute with a left-footed shot from Anan Khalaili from outside the penalty area. However, Marseille quickly equalized through Igor Paixao, who struck the ball into the top corner.
Greenwood netted his first goal in the 41st minute by charging at the home defense and combining with former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before finding the back of the net to put Marseille ahead.
The French team extended their lead in the 58th minute when Greenwood latched onto a pass from Matt O’Riley, currently on loan from Brighton. He skillfully cut inside a defender and finished with precision.
Khalaili scored again for Union in the 71st minute with a low strike, reigniting hopes for the hosts. Union believed they had equalized shortly after when Kevin Mac Allister, brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis, scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
In a tense finish, Promise David had a chance to level the score in the fourth minute of added time, but his header was saved by Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Following this match, Marseille sits in 16th place in the league phase with three wins and three losses. They will host Liverpool in their next Champions League match on January 21, before facing Club Brugge in Belgium on January 28.
Union Saint-Gilloise has dropped to 25th place and will need to secure positive results against Bayern Munich and Atalanta to remain competitive in the tournament.