Monaco lead Ligue 1 after thrashing Marseille

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:49 am

Monaco lead the Ligue 1 table on goal difference after Bernardo Silva scored twice in their 4-1 win over Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.

Following Nice's 0-0 draw at home to struggling Metz, Leonardo Jardim's men had the chance to take over at the top -- and they did not disappoint as they completed a league double against Marseille, with Thomas Lemar and Radamel Falcao also finding the net.

It was 4-0 to Monaco back in November, and they were soon on their way again to inflict Marseille's first home defeat in 10 months.

Monaco had the majority of early possession, but the first clear-cut chance fell to the hosts after five minutes.

Bafetimbi Gomis held the ball up for Remy Cabella, whose shot was blocked by Danijel Subasic.

Marseille began to see more of the ball, only to find themselves behind on the quarter-hour.

Thomas Lemar was precise with a brilliant volley over defence and goalkeeper from a tight angle on the left, finding the back of the net in the far corner.

Six minutes later, it was 2-0 -- Radamel Falcao got the better of a challenge with Florian Thauvin and then beat goalkeeper Yohann Pele one on one.

Cabella went close to reducing the arrears, with a header which grazed the post on the end of a fine cross from Hiroki Sakai.

Lemar's free kick went wide, and Marseille were back in it in the 28th minute when defender Rolando was up to head in from Maxime Lopez's set-piece delivery.

Pele had to be at his best to keep out Djibril Sidibe following a corner, but the visitors were two in front again on the stroke of half-time -- Portugal midfielder Silva with an unstoppable header after Almamy Toure's cross.

Lemar put an early chance wide in the second half, but Silva made no mistake in the 56th minute after Pele had pushed Fabinho's initial shot into his path.

Pele denied Valere Germain in the 71st and 78th minutes, as Monaco's dominance grew and the hosts were consigned to damage limitation and continued occupation of sixth in the table -- 15 points adrift of their victors.