Rennes Deepens Marseille's Wounds

Rennes temporarily took the top spot in the French league after deepening the wounds of their guests, Marseille, with a third consecutive defeat, beating them 1-0 yesterday evening in the opening match of Matchday 4. Adrian Thomasson scored the match’s only goal in the 52nd minute with a header from substitute Jordanian international Musa Al-Tamari. Thomasson nearly added a second goal, but his shot struck the crossbar. Marseille created numerous chances, but their inability to secure new signings during the summer transfer window appears to be taking a toll. After failing to qualify for the Champions League this season, which brought financial pressures, Marseille sold several key players, including English striker Mason Greenwood and Dutch midfielder Quentin Timber, without replacing them. The southern club appointed Bruno Genesio as their new manager, arriving from Lille, but they find themselves forced to rely on a squad composed of players who were on the periphery last season and others returning from loan spells. Marseille started the season with a convincing 4-0 win over Strasbourg but have failed to collect any points since then. Their next two away matches will be against Turkish side Besiktas in the Europa League, followed by a home game against Paris Saint-Germain. This was Rennes’ third win, with one draw, lifting their tally to ten points and seizing top spot by a single point over previous leaders Monaco, while Marseille’s points total remained stuck at three in eleventh place after their third loss of the season. Matchday 4 concludes today with Lille facing Troyes, Lorient playing Lens, and Brest taking on Paris Saint-Germain.