Amine Gouiri, the Algerian forward, starred as Marseille secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Strasbourg in the opening match of the French Ligue 1 season on Friday. Gouiri’s brace came within a rapid 20-minute span, setting the tone for a dominant performance by the home side.
The first goal arrived just one minute into the second half when Gouiri finished with a low, precise strike. The match shifted further in Marseille’s favor shortly before the hour mark when Strasbourg’s Samir El Mourabet was sent off for violent conduct after kicking midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Gouiri capitalized on the resulting penalty, doubling the lead and cementing his influence on the game.
Late Goals Seal the Win
Substitute Keyliane Abdallah, aged 20, and midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg added late goals to ensure Marseille’s clean sheet and full points. The victory extends Marseille’s unbeaten league streak against Strasbourg, a run that dates back to 1997, underscoring their continued dominance over their regional rivals.
Gouiri, who transferred from Rennes in January 2025, also carried momentum from his recent international outings, having scored once in four appearances for Algeria at this year’s World Cup. Reflecting on the win, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s start in front of their home fans, emphasizing the importance of a positive kickoff to their campaign.
Meanwhile, head coach Bruno Genesio has yet to finalize any major signings ahead of the summer transfer deadline. He highlighted the club’s financial strategy, stating that reducing salary expenditures is a prerequisite before new recruits can be added to the squad.