Monaco secured a crucial 3-0 victory over struggling Marseille on Saturday, climbing to second place in Ligue 1 and strengthening their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Before the match, only a five-point gap separated Marseille in second place from seventh-placed Lille, making the race for European spots extremely tight.
Monaco made a significant move towards the Champions League by handing Marseille their fourth defeat in five Ligue 1 matches.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side is now at risk of losing a spot in Europe after spending much of the season in second place in the French league.
The teams finishing second and third behind Paris Saint-Germain will directly qualify for the league phase of the Champions League, while the fourth-placed team will enter the qualifying rounds.
Monaco took the lead in the 34th minute at the Stade Louis II when Takumi Minamino slotted in his fifth league goal of the season following some poor defending from Marseille.
Marseille nearly equalized before the break, but Luis Henrique’s shot was saved by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn.
The hosts doubled their lead shortly before the hour mark, with Breel Embolo finding the net after an excellent through pass from Vanderson.
The goal was initially under review for offside but was eventually awarded after a lengthy VAR check.
Monaco added to their advantage late in the match with Denis Zakaria converting a penalty, further improving their goal difference, which could be decisive in the season’s final standings.
Later that day, Lille faced Toulouse, while Strasbourg, in fourth place, hosted sixth-placed Nice.
