RC Lens secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille (OM) in a captivating Ligue 1 clash, leaving OM reeling and Lens fans ecstatic. However, the spotlight fell heavily on Marseille's Benjamin Pavard, who endured a torrid evening.
Pavard's week went from bad to worse. After an unfortunate deflection led to Sporting Lisbon's winning goal against OM in the Champions League (2-1), the French defender compounded his woes with an own goal against Lens. To add insult to injury, he also conceded a penalty earlier in the match, contributing significantly to Marseille's downfall.
Following the match, a visibly dejected Pavard took to Instagram to issue a heartfelt apology to the OM supporters. “Marseille supporters, I am sorry. This defeat is on me. I made mistakes, and I take full responsibility,” he wrote. “When you wear this shirt, you must be impeccable, and tonight I was not. I promise you that I will give everything to regain your trust and to honour this shirt. Thank you for your support, even in difficult times. We will get up together.”
The 29-year-old, who arrived in Marseille on loan from Inter Milan in early September, is experiencing a challenging period. While manager Roberto De Zerbi and sporting advisor Medhi Benatia are keen to avoid panic, OM has surrendered its Ligue 1 lead to both PSG and Lens. Marseille will be looking to bounce back when they host Angers on Wednesday.
Lens Capitalises on OM's Misfortunes
Lens' victory showcased their resilience and tactical prowess. They capitalised on Pavard's errors and displayed impressive attacking flair throughout the match. The win propels them into a strong position in the league standings.
What's Next for OM?
Marseille faces a crucial period as they look to recover from this setback. The upcoming match against Angers is a must-win for De Zerbi's side. The team needs to regroup, address their defensive vulnerabilities, and rediscover their attacking rhythm to challenge for the Ligue 1 title.