Reims Vs Marseille

Marseille will aim to regain their momentum in Ligue 1 after a difficult spell when they take on Reims, a team struggling with the longest winless streak across Europe’s top-five leagues. This crucial encounter on Saturday evening comes at a time when both teams are desperate for points, albeit for different reasons. Marseille, once seemingly assured of a second-place finish behind Paris Saint-Germain, now find themselves in a fierce battle for Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Reims are teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone, making this clash a must-win for both sides.

A loss in Le Classique before the international break proved costly for Marseille, not only because it further cemented PSG’s path to another Ligue 1 title but also because it dragged Roberto De Zerbi’s men back into the congested battle for European spots. For much of the campaign, Marseille appeared to be the only team capable of keeping PSG within their sights. However, a recent downturn in form has significantly altered the landscape. Three defeats in their last four outings have left them vulnerable to competition from Monaco, Nice, and even Lyon, who are beginning to close the gap.

The alarming trend started with a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Auxerre, a result that signaled deeper defensive issues. The loss in Paris only exacerbated their problems, as it marked their second consecutive away defeat—matching the total number of away losses they had suffered in their first 11 games of the season. Defensive stability will be a primary focus for De Zerbi’s men, as they aim to avoid conceding three or more goals in three successive away matches for the first time in over four decades. With their top-four aspirations on the line, Marseille cannot afford another defensive collapse on the road.

Another concern for the visitors is the potential of suffering three consecutive league defeats for the first time this season. A home loss to Lens on March 8 added to their woes, and with Monaco and Nice just two points behind, every match now carries immense significance. The prospect of missing out on Champions League football would be a catastrophic outcome for a club that, not long ago, looked destined for a comfortable second-place finish. With Lyon also lurking four points behind, Marseille find themselves in a precarious position, where any further slip-ups could see them plummet down the table.

Despite their recent struggles, Marseille’s remaining fixtures offer a glimmer of hope. Three of their last eight games are against teams currently languishing in the bottom four, theoretically providing them with a favorable path to securing a top-four finish. However, history suggests that their performances against Reims need to improve if they are to capitalize on these opportunities. Reims, despite their ongoing struggles, have proven to be a tricky opponent for Marseille in recent years.

While Reims have historically suffered more Ligue 1 defeats against PSG than any other team this century, they have managed to frustrate Marseille on multiple occasions. Their last meeting at the Stade Vélodrome ended in a 2-2 draw, with Mason Greenwood rescuing a point for OM with a late equalizer. Furthermore, Marseille’s visit to the Stade Auguste-Delaune last season ended in a 1-0 defeat, a result that played a role in jeopardizing their European qualification hopes. Given their recent form, Marseille will be determined to avoid another setback against a side they have found difficult to overcome.

However, Reims enter this contest in dire straits. Their current 15-game winless streak is the longest in any of Europe’s top-five leagues, a dismal run that has seen them slide perilously close to the relegation zone. Their last victory came all the way back in early November when they comfortably dispatched Le Havre 3-0. Since then, the club has been unable to arrest their decline, leading to managerial upheaval. Luka Elsner paid the price for their struggles, losing his job in the process, but his replacement, Samba Diawara, has been equally unable to reverse their fortunes.

With Reims just one game away from equaling their longest-ever winless run—a 16-match streak dating back to 1978—the pressure on the team is immense. The threat of relegation looms large, and another failure to pick up points could see them drop into the bottom three imminently. Matters have been further complicated by the situation involving Saint-Étienne, who are set to be awarded three points following the abandonment of their fixture against Montpellier. Should results elsewhere go against them, Reims could find themselves staring at automatic relegation.

Currently, Reims sit just two points above the relegation playoff spot and three clear of direct relegation. However, their competitors, Le Havre and Saint-Étienne, have shown far more resilience in recent weeks, picking up crucial points when needed. In stark contrast, Reims have been unable to generate any positive momentum, making their situation increasingly precarious. The team’s inability to secure wins has put them in a position where every remaining fixture feels like a must-win encounter.

Adding to the peculiarity of Reims’ season is their unexpected progression in the Coupe de France. Despite their league struggles, they remain in contention for a place in the cup final, provided they can overcome fourth-tier Cannes in their upcoming midweek fixture. This strange juxtaposition—fighting for survival in the league while eyeing potential silverware—underscores the unpredictability of their campaign. However, while a cup run is a welcome distraction, their primary focus must remain on ensuring Ligue 1 survival.

For Reims, Saturday’s clash represents an opportunity to not only break their wretched run but also to derail Marseille’s ambitions. The home crowd at the Stade Auguste-Delaune will play a crucial role in rallying the team, though recent results have done little to inspire confidence among the supporters. If Diawara’s side can summon a spirited performance, they may yet pull off an upset against an out-of-form Marseille.

From Marseille’s perspective, this match serves as a chance to regain lost ground and reassert themselves as a Champions League contender. A dominant display would go a long way in restoring confidence within the squad, while anything less than three points would invite further scrutiny over their dwindling form. Given the stakes, De Zerbi’s men must treat this as a do-or-die scenario, ensuring they deliver a performance befitting a club of their stature.

The battle between these two sides epitomizes the unpredictability of Ligue 1 this season. Marseille, once seemingly assured of a top-two finish, now find themselves scrambling to hold onto a Champions League spot. Reims, once comfortably in mid-table, are now fighting for their top-flight survival. With so much at stake for both clubs, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a tense and fiercely contested affair. Whether Marseille can steady the ship or Reims can defy the odds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this is a match neither side can afford to lose.