Marseille booked their place in the quarter-finals of the French Cup with a 3–0 home victory over Rennes on Tuesday, scoring at the start of each half in a contest defined more by intensity and opportunism than technical quality.
Coming into the tie under pressure after a shock Champions League exit last week and a damaging Ligue 1 collapse at Paris FC on Saturday, Marseille settled early nerves by striking in just the second minute. Rennes midfielder Quentin Merlin was caught in possession deep inside his own penalty area, allowing Timothy Weah to pounce and feed Amine Gouiri, who converted from close range despite a scuffed finish.
The opening goal set the tone for a first half that was frequently disjointed and ill-tempered, with both sides struggling for rhythm amid a series of fouls and unforced errors. Marseille, however, remained the more alert and ruthless side in key moments.
If the early breakthrough stabilised the hosts, their start to the second half effectively decided the tie. Just 31 seconds after the restart, Marseille doubled their advantage as Rennes were again exposed down the inside-right channel. Gouiri released Mason Greenwood into acres of space, and the English forward advanced unchallenged before calmly guiding his finish into the far corner.
The goal highlighted Rennes’ ongoing defensive disorganisation, with new Liverpool signing Jérémy Jacquet — caught high up the pitch — visibly frustrated by the lack of cover behind him.
Despite the scoreline, the match remained scrappy rather than commanding, but Rennes failed to adjust. In the 82nd minute, Greenwood once more found himself in space on the right and this time squared for substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who tapped in to complete the scoring.
The result sends Marseille into the last eight as they continue their pursuit of a first French Cup triumph since 1989 — a drought that remains a significant motivation amid an otherwise turbulent campaign.
Elsewhere in the competition, Paris FC — fresh from eliminating holders Paris Saint-Germain — travel to Lorient on Wednesday, while in another quarter-final Lens, enjoying a strong domestic run, visit Troyes.
