Analysis The numbers behind the result
Marseille clinical despite being outplayed by Le Havre's xG dominance
Marseille's 4-3 victory flattered them statistically, as Le Havre generated 3.22 xG to Marseille's 1.63, suggesting the visitors were more effective in chance creation. Despite being outshot 22 to 11 and conceding 14 shots inside their box, Marseille converted four of their five shots on target, with goals from Egan-Riley (5'), Weah (33'), Paixão (50'), and Abdelli (55') proving decisive. Le Havre's late surge, including Maja's penalty (77') and open-play goal (89'), plus N'Diaye's strike (86'), wasn't enough to offset Marseille's early efficiency.
Tactically, Marseille's 53% possession didn't translate to superior chance volume (7 shots inside box vs Le Havre's 14), but their clinical edge in key moments—converting at 80% of shots on target—was the difference. Le Havre's higher xG (3.22 vs 1.63) and shot count (22 total, 7 on target) underline their wasted opportunities. The decisive stat: Marseille scored 4 goals from just 1.63 xG (+2.37 overperformance), while Le Havre netted 3 from 3.22 xG (-0.22 underperformance).