MARSEILLE: Marseille put a week of turmoil behind them as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in a 5-2 win over Paris FC on Saturday before coach Roberto De Zerbi opened up the possibility of bringing banished star Adrien Rabiot back into the fold.

Aubameyang won a penalty which was converted by Mason Greenwood before the Gabon striker doubled Marseille’s lead just past the midway point in the first half at the Velodrome.

Newly-promoted Paris FC hit back to draw level with goals by Ilan Kebbal and Moses Simon, only for Aubameyang to restore Marseille’s lead before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and youngster Robinio Vaz added further goals late on.

The 36-year-old Aubameyang, who is back in Marseille for a second spell after spending the last campaign in Saudi Arabia, hit the post early on and then won a penalty after being brought down by Paris FC’s Brazilian centre-back Otavio.

Greenwood, who scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season, converted from the spot.

The former Manchester United man then set up the second as his corner was turned in by Aubameyang, but Marseille looked fragile at the back and gifted the visitors a quick route back into the contest.

Winger Kebbal, who was born in Marseille, brought it back to 2-1 before the half-hour and produced a brilliant pass to set up Nigeria winger Simon for the equaliser on 58 minutes.

Substitute Bilal Nadir helped make the goal which Aubameyang scored to restore the hosts’ lead on 73 minutes.

Nadir then set up Hojbjerg’s thumping long-range strike to make it 4-2 before Greenwood squandered a second penalty of the day.

The 18-year-old Vaz then completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Lyon continued their good start to the campaign beating Metz 3-0 at home with Malick Fofana, Corentin Tolisso and new Czech signing Adam Karabec all on target.

Saturday’s other game saw Nice get their first points by winning 3-1 at home to Auxerre.

Jeremie Boga’s opener for the hosts was cancelled out by Lassine Sinayoko, only for a Clement Akpa own goal to restore Nice’s advantage.

Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon was sent off in first-half stoppage time and substitute Terem Moffi then made sure of the win for Nice on 76 minutes.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2025