(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights MARSEILLE - METZ

Marseille were hoping to bounce back from a poor run of form as they hosted Metz for the matchday 21 opener. As new signing Fares Mbagne was making his first start since joining in January. Partnering the team's top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front. The visitors were looking to put an end to a wretched run themselves, with Laszlo Bologna's men failing to win a point since the end of November. And early on the hosts were on the front foot. Amine Harit driving through the midfield before playing it to Aubameyang on the left. The forward trying his luck but couldn't trouble Ukija. Metz with a chance of their own though as Mikotazi was played through. The striker brought down by Samuel Giger on his way through. The tackle was checked by VAR and it was a straight red for the captain. Marseille reduced to 10 after just half an hour. The hosts were still pushing for the opener before halftime as Aubameyang found Unai in the middle. But it was a fantastic point blank save from Ukija. Marseille left with a mountain to climb though to grab their first win in a month. The visitors holding out impressively against the waves of attacks. And the Metz defence were left exposed as Unai drove through the middle. Played it out wide to Aubameyang. His cross pushed away. Jean Alain trying his luck but it was straight at the goalkeeper. Aligrena also had chances on the counter as Van der Kerckhoff broke through down the wing. The Algerian threading it through to Mikotazi but it's Paul Lopez who came out on top. And Aubameyang was involved again minutes later. The veteran cutting inside and trying to find the bottom corner. Merlin getting to the follow-up and it's Mbagne who was there to finish from close range. The Cameroon international scoring his debut goal for Marseille on his first start since arriving from Norway at the end of the window. Combining with another winter rival in Quentin Merlin. But Metz were able to respond straight away. Marseille initially clearing the corner but it fell to Kamara. Who sent in the cross for Mathieu Udol who nodded in the equaliser. The captain with a near replica of his goal at the Parc des Princes earlier this season. Found by the same teammate. And scoring another header. And Marseille were unable to find the winner. Gennaro Gattuso's men now on five league games without a win. Metz meanwhile up at an end to a seven game losing streak. Earning a point with a rugged performance.