Full Breakdown
Olympique de Marseille Advances to Coupe de France Quarterfinals with 3-0 Victory Over Stade Rennais
2/5/2026, 1:45:15 AM
Match Overview
On February 3, 2026, Olympique de Marseille (OM) secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Stade Rennais in the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France at the Orange Vélodrome. This win marks Marseille's 40th advancement to the quarterfinals in the tournament's history.
Key Players and Performance
Algerian striker Amine Gouiri played a pivotal role in the match, scoring the opening goal just two minutes into the game. Gouiri capitalized on a defensive error by Rennes midfielder Quentin Merlin, who was dispossessed by Timothy Weah. Gouiri's early goal set the tone for the match, allowing Marseille to control the game from the outset.
Following the halftime break, Gouiri assisted Mason Greenwood, who doubled the lead in the 46th minute. The final goal came from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 82nd minute, further solidifying Marseille's dominance. Notably, Aubameyang, at 36 years and 7 months, became the oldest player to score for Marseille in the Coupe de France since Larbi Benbarek in 1954.
Controversies and Criticism
The match was not without controversy. A significant refereeing error occurred when Ethan Nwaneri of Rennes committed a dangerous tackle on Glen Kamarah, which typically would have warranted a red card. However, the central referee Benoît Bastien issued only a yellow card due to the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at this stage of the competition. This decision has drawn criticism, particularly from Stade Rennais coach Habib Beye, who expressed concerns that the error may have influenced the match's outcome.
Official Statements & Responses
In the aftermath of the match, Marseille's performance was praised for its efficiency and effectiveness, especially following their recent struggles in both the Champions League and Ligue 1. The team’s ability to bounce back with a strong showing in the Coupe de France was seen as a positive development.
What's Next
Marseille's victory propels them into the quarterfinals, where they will aim to capture their first Coupe de France title since 1989. The tournament continues with other matches scheduled, including FC Lorient facing Paris FC and Olympique Lyonnais taking on Stade Lavallois.
Verbatim Quotes
- “???? By scoring in the 2nd minute, the Algerian striker becomes the fastest player to find the net in the Coupe de France for OM since Mamadou Niang, who scored as early as…” — Stats du Foot
This comprehensive victory not only highlights Marseille's potential in the tournament but also raises questions about officiating standards in knockout competitions.
