Marseille Faces Desperate Reims in Must-Win Clash

REIMS, France — On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Olympique de Marseille will take on Stade de Reims in a critical Ligue 1 match at Stade Auguste-Delaune II, hoping to end a streak of poor results.

Marseille, currently sitting second in the league, has seen their lead diminish following a run of three defeats in four matches, including a damaging loss against Paris Saint-Germain prior to the international break. They now find themselves only two points clear of Monaco and Nice, with Lyon lurking just four points behind.

“We need to tighten our defense to prevent a third straight defeat, which would be a first this season,” said Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi. The team has struggled defensively and is determined to improve as they head into the home stretch of the season.

On the other hand, Reims is facing a dire situation, sitting just two points above the relegation playoff spot after a club-record 15 consecutive matches without a win. The team has not tasted victory since early November when they defeated Le Havre 3-0. Reims’ coach received a pink slip after their abysmal run, but his successor has failed to invigorate the squad.

Stade de Reims last claimed victory against Marseille at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in the previous season, a 1-0 win that severely impacted Marseille’s European hopes. Reims has only lost more often in Ligue 1 to PSG in the 21st century than to Marseille.

“We have to break the winless streak and get our confidence back. Every match is crucial now,” emphasized Reims’ captain, who has seen his squad suffer from multiple injuries that have hampered their attacking options.

Both teams face injury challenges. Reims is missing key attackers, while Marseille continues to deal with injuries across their midfield and defense. Despite these obstacles, Marseille’s leading scorer, Mason Greenwood, aims to add to his tally after going two games without scoring.

Marseille is favored to win, with statistical predictions showing a 77.8% chance of victory, while Reims is at 16.7% to win and a draw at 5.6%. As the clock winds down on the season, both teams are under immense pressure to secure points.

The match is pivotal not only for Marseille’s title aspirations but also for Reims’ fight against relegation. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. local time.