PSG Poised to Extend Ligue 1 Dominance in Clash Against Marseille

Posted : 14 March 2025

Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille are set to face off in France’s most iconic football rivalry this weekend, but the match threatens to highlight the widening gap between the two clubs. PSG has dominated French football since their Qatari-backed takeover in 2011, and their superiority has only grown stronger in recent months.

Luis Enrique's side remains formidable both in Ligue 1 and on the European stage, with their recent Champions League last-16 victory over Liverpool—secured on penalties—demonstrating a resilience that was often lacking in previous campaigns. With a comfortable quarterfinal tie against Aston Villa ahead, PSG also enjoys a commanding 16-point lead in the league, making their domestic supremacy all but inevitable.

A win against Marseille would extend PSG’s advantage to 19 points, further reinforcing the likelihood that they could clinch the Ligue 1 title before March concludes. Marseille, meanwhile, has had a promising season under Roberto De Zerbi but was never realistically in the title race. Their primary goal remains securing a Champions League spot, especially given their absence from European competition this season.

Led by Mason Greenwood in attack and supported by midfielders Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Adrien Rabiot, Marseille has shown flashes of quality. However, their earlier 3-0 defeat to PSG in October underscored the disparity between the two sides, and a repeat result in Paris would cast further doubt on their top-three aspirations.

Despite having the second-highest revenue in France behind PSG, Marseille has often been hindered by internal instability. Recent controversy surrounding club president Pablo Longoria, who received a 15-match ban for accusing referees of corruption, has added to the turmoil. The team has struggled in recent weeks, losing two of their last three matches and allowing rivals below them to close in on the Champions League spots.

Missing out on European football next season would be a significant setback, and their challenge against PSG is made even more difficult by Højbjerg’s absence. Given PSG's dominance in this fixture, with only one league defeat to Marseille in the past 25 meetings, an upset seems unlikely.

One player to watch is PSG’s rising star, Désiré Doué, who has been making headlines with his recent performances. The 19-year-old played a crucial role off the bench against Liverpool and confidently scored the decisive penalty in the shootout. His rapid development has also earned him a first call-up to the French national team for the upcoming Nations League quarterfinal against Croatia.

Signed from Rennes in August for a reported €50 million, Doué has been a revelation since breaking into the PSG lineup in December, contributing to 17 goals in 23 appearances. As PSG looks to maintain their dominance, his presence could be a key factor in yet another statement win over their greatest domestic rivals.

PSG Poised to Extend Ligue 1 Dominance in Clash Against Marseille

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