In the nineteenth round of the French championship, Monaco and Marseille finished level in a 2 to 2 draw, with an assist from Russian midfielder Alexander Golovin helping shape the outcome.
The game was played at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille and concluded with nine Monaco players on the field. Early in the match, in the 11th minute, Monaco lost Guillermo Maripan, the Chilean defender, to a red card. A later sending off followed in the 86th minute when Denis Zakaria, Monaco’s Swiss midfielder, received a second yellow that equated to a red card.
For Marseille, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Leonardo Balerini found the back of the net. Monaco responded through Wissam Ben Yedder and Magnes Akliouche, keeping the score close and ensuring a tense finish for the home crowd.
Golovin appeared in 17 league fixtures this season, contributing five goals and four assists. The Russian international has been repeatedly praised by Monaco supporters as one of the club’s standout performers across the campaign.
With this result, Monaco sits fourth in the standings with 34 points, while Marseille holds sixth place with 29 points. The teams are navigating a crowded table in the middle of the Ligue 1 season, where every point can swing opinions about form, depth, and momentum.
Looking ahead, Monaco is scheduled to host Le Havre in the next round, while Marseille will travel to Lyon. Both matches are slated for February 4, offering a chance for each side to set a tone for the remainder of the campaign.
Meanwhile, the football world reacted to a different development as Xavi announced his departure from Barcelona, signaling a shift in European club dynamics and plans for the upcoming seasons.