Amine Gouiri double powers Marseille to 4-0 win over Strasbourg

MARSEILLE: Amine Gouiri made a flying start to Marseille’s new Ligue 1 campaign, scoring twice in the second half as his side swept aside Strasbourg 4-0 on Friday in the opening match of the French top-flight season.

The Algeria international was at the heart of Marseille’s attacking display, breaking the deadlock shortly after half-time before converting a penalty to put the hosts firmly in control.

Gouiri’s performance gave Marseille exactly the kind of opening they wanted in front of their home supporters, while also extending their remarkable unbeaten league run against Strasbourg, which now stretches back to 1997.

“It’s a joy,” Gouiri told Ligue 1+, reflecting on a perfect start. “We really wanted to start well in front of our supporters, and it’s job done.”

Marseille had to wait until the second half to unlock the visitors’ defence. Gouiri struck just a minute after the restart, meeting the ball with a low first-time finish that finally gave the hosts the breakthrough.

Strasbourg’s hopes of recovering quickly suffered another blow shortly before the hour mark when Samir El Mourabet was shown a red card for violent conduct after kicking Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

With Strasbourg down to 10 men, Marseille seized control.

Gouiri stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his brace and double Marseille’s advantage.

The hosts continued to push forward and eventually turned a comfortable victory into a statement result.

Young substitute Keyliane Abdallah added a third before Hojbjerg put the finishing touch on the night, scoring late to complete the 4-0 rout.

For coach Bruno Genesio, the result provides an ideal beginning despite Marseille’s limited activity in the summer transfer market. The manager has acknowledged that the club must reduce its wage bill before it can make major additions to the squad.

“We have to drop our salary spend,” Genesio said. “Until that’s done, we won’t be able to recruit.”

Gouiri, who joined Marseille from Rennes in January 2025, will be encouraged by his explosive start. He also scored once for Algeria during four matches at this year’s World Cup.

The opening weekend continues on Saturday, with last season’s runners-up Lens hosting Auxerre, while newly promoted Le Mans face Brest in their first top-flight match since 2010.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence away to Rennes on Sunday as they chase a record-extending 14th Ligue 1 crown.