Only three sides had conceded more Ligue 1 goals than Lille going into this gameweek, and Paulo Fonseca responded by giving 20-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier his club debut.
It was the more experienced Pau Lopez who was beaten early, as Ismaily was on hand to convert the rebound when Adam Ounas spun brilliantly in the box and hit the post.
Les Olympiens had struggled to pose much of a threat, but kicked into gear in the 26th minute, tearing up the pitch for a move that culminated in Cengiz Under teeing up Sanchez for the Chile international’s fourth goal in as many games.
Still unhappy with what he’d seen, Igor Tudor replaced Leonardo Balerdi with Nuno Tavares immediately after the restart. That would have paid dividends straight away had Bafode Diakite not blocked Sanchez’s effort on the line after the Arsenal loanee had been involved.
The second period got off to a blistering start as Akim Zedadka and Under were both denied within the opening 45 seconds.
Chevalier was given more work to do in the early stages and conjured a fantastic save to deny Amine Harit, before Sánchez headed narrowly wide from the ensuing corner.
While both teams were showing great intent to win, Les Olympiens were on top and took the lead when Sead Kolašinac flicked Ünder’s free-kick delivery into the path of Gigot, who finished for his first Marseille goal.
It was a close offside call and a member of Fonseca’s backroom staff was sent off for his overzealous protestations. Neither team was holding back and Under continued to cause problems while Ounas drew the hosts into numerous fouls.
Every member of Marseille’s starting back three had been substituted, but Tudor’s side held on as Lopez saved Mohamed Bayo’s late header, ensuring Les Olympiens recorded a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 victory for the first time since December 2020.
Meanwhile, Lille still haven’t managed back-to-back wins since the turn of February and March.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Cengiz Under (Olympique de Marseille)
