PSG lose in Marseille and hand the lead to Monaco

Paris Saint-Germain’s unexpected slip in Marseille on Monday evening has shaken the balance at the top of Ligue 1 and reignited the debate about the reigning champions’ ability to dominate under Luis Enrique.

The 1-0 defeat in the fiery atmosphere of the Stade Vélodrome did more than just halt PSG’s run of five straight victories this season; it also handed Monaco the leadership of the French top flight, reminding everyone that Ligue 1 will not be a one-horse race in 2025.

The match had already carried added tension, not only because it was the famous “Le Classique,” but also due to the postponement from Sunday to Monday amid warnings of dangerous weather conditions in the Mediterranean city. Marseille’s fans had therefore an extra day to prepare, and they created an intimidating backdrop for their rivals from Paris. The hosts came flying out of the blocks, and PSG’s night unraveled almost immediately. In the fifth minute, goalkeeper Chevalier made a poor decision when rushing off his line, failing to claim a cross. Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd pounced on the mistake, rising highest to head the ball into the net and send the stadium into ecstasy. From that point on, Marseille defended resolutely and fed off the energy of their supporters, while PSG struggled to impose themselves.

The timing of the match was unusual, coinciding almost exactly with the Ballon d’Or gala at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. While Ousmane Dembélé, PSG’s marquee forward, was missing through injury and therefore absent both from the pitch and the gala, three Portuguese internationals were called upon to carry the fight for the Parisians. Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos all started, with Ramos lasting until the 89th minute before being substituted. Their performances were industrious, but they could not turn the tide against a Marseille side determined to protect their early lead.

PSG’s absences weighed heavily on the contest. Dembélé, one of the standout performers of last season, was sorely missed, as were Doué, Barcola and João Neves, who were all unavailable due to injuries. Without these options, Luis Enrique had fewer attacking weapons and less depth from the bench, which made it difficult to break down a disciplined Marseille defense. The Spaniard, who had previously guided PSG to a UEFA Super Cup victory over Tottenham in August in a penalty shootout thriller, saw his side look short of ideas in the final third.

The consequences of the defeat are significant in the early title race. PSG, aiming for their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 crown, now find themselves in second place with 12 points, level with Lyon under Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca and Strasbourg, but behind Monaco, who have surged to the top. The Principality club’s consistency has been rewarded, and their new status as league leaders puts additional pressure on PSG ahead of a demanding schedule that will test their resilience.

For Marseille, the victory carries symbolic weight. Not only did they defeat their biggest domestic rival, but they also showed that they remain capable of competing at the highest level despite their recent inconsistencies. The roar that followed Aguerd’s early header echoed long after the final whistle, as fans celebrated a triumph that goes beyond three points it was also about pride and identity in French football’s fiercest rivalry.

Adding another layer of intrigue, both PSG and Marseille are set to face Portuguese champions Sporting CP in the Champions League league phase. The scheduling means that both French clubs will travel to Lisbon, with Marseille playing at Estádio José Alvalade on October 22 and PSG visiting on January 20, 2026. These encounters promise to be decisive not only for Sporting but also for assessing whether Ligue 1’s representatives can carry their domestic form onto the European stage.

The defeat in Marseille serves as a warning sign for Luis Enrique and his squad. While PSG remain packed with talent, the early months of the season are exposing vulnerabilities, especially when key players are absent. Defensive lapses, reliance on a small core of fit attackers, and the psychological weight of expectations are all factors that could shape their campaign. Monaco’s rise to the summit, Lyon’s steady progress under Fonseca, and Marseille’s renewed belief are clear reminders that the race for the Ligue 1 title could be far more competitive than in recent years.

For now, PSG remain within striking distance of the lead, but the pressure is on. The champions will need to respond quickly to ensure that this stumble in Le Classique is remembered as a minor setback rather than the start of a more troubling pattern.