Greenwood’s Sudden Exit Explained: Physical Strain Led to Replacement vs PSG

Marseille’s rollercoaster encounter against PSG in the French Super Cup

In a thrilling French Super Cup match at Kuwait, Marseille experienced a dramatic turn of events against Paris Saint-Germain. **The game began with PSG taking an early lead** courtesy of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. However, Marseille managed to turn the tables in the second half.

**Mason Greenwood leveled the score in the 76th minute**, marking his 15th goal of the season. A last-minute own goal by Willian Pacho almost sealed the win, but a dramatic equalizer by Gonçalo Ramos in the 95th minute pushed the match into a penalty shootout.

Mason Greenwood’s unexpected substitution

Marseille’s hopes were high until a crucial moment late in the game. **Greenwood, their top scorer, was replaced in the second minute of stoppage time**. If the team had anticipated a penalty shootout, the 24-year-old forward might have stayed on the pitch.

Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille coach, explained that **Greenwood was experiencing physical discomfort** and needed to be substituted. When asked about his selection of penalty takers, De Zerbi noted, “I prefer not to force players. [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang didn’t take the first penalty. Greenwood had cramps, so I had to take him off; otherwise, he would have stayed. O’Riley took the penalties at Brighton.”

De Zerbi reflects on Marseille’s near victory

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, De Zerbi commented, “It’s hard to accept; we played a very good match. **Our goal was to make history at OM and win a trophy**, but we didn’t succeed. This defeat isn’t the same as the one against Nantes. We need to maintain this level of performance consistently, which is the positive takeaway from tonight’s match.”