(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights MARSEILLE - LENS

The final match of an action-packed matchday 31 saw Marseille welcome Lens to the Orange Vélodrome on Sunday evening. This is a picture that could prove crucial in the race for Continental Football next campaign. This is the European spot of sixth coming into the weekend, with their hosts just a tall distance behind them. After winning their first three matches under Jean-Louis Gasset, OM have since gone winless in five, at least taking a point in the last two. Two-two draws against Nice to lose. They needed fewer than 60 seconds to break the deadlock here. Moved down the right, the ball forwards, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the spot to convert. The earliest goal of Aubameyang's Ligue 1 Uber Eats career, 55 seconds, on his previous best, the seventh minute, responded well to going behind. A few chances, which fell to Angelo Fulgini. Header in the middle, bouncing just wide. We'll have bigger chances to come. Another of which was a header, this time for Kevin Danso. This time not wide, on target, but saved. Ultimately, hooked away. Not enough to restore parity before the break. So, 1-0 to Marseille at the halfway point of the 100th Ligue 1 Uber Eats meeting between these two sides. Perfectly balanced, should be. 39 wins apiece in the tip scales in the second half. Both sides continue to push forward. Chances were few and far between, so Francaise changes half an hour to go. One of which is the introduction of Wesley Said. Could be a case of quality over quantity in terms of chances for longs. It would be the substitute who played an integral part. 77th minute, a clinical move. Massadio Haidara's whipped cross picked out Said, and he did the rest. Heading home, beautifully into the bottom corner. Equaliser seem to kick Marseille back into gear, and ultimately they would find a way to secure the three points with a big helping hand from the longs back line. Danso giving it away, Aubameyang picking out Papegue. 2-1 Marseille. Level terms for mere minutes. Gabonese at least one goal and an assist for the fourth time this season. Only Kalina Pape has done so more often in the top flights. Though his late free kick had only hit the wall, the job was done. A timely confidence boost, 4-0 ahead of their semi-final in Europe on Thursday. And a win that moves them within two points of the side they beat on the day. That's the final Union spot for next season.