Loic Remy scored twice in the second half to increase Marseille’s challenge for a European location against reigning Ligue 1 champions Lille.
The striker was reportedly getting watched by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who has been linked with a move for the France worldwide this month.
And he boosted his developing reputation by first heading in Mathieu Valbuena’s delivery and then slotting home the second after defender Aurelien Chedjou’s error.
Benoit Cheyrou volleyed the initial opportunity of the game above the bar for Marseille but midfield colleague Alou Diarra was lucky not to concede a penalty at the other end after a clumsy tackle on Eden Hazard.
Hazard then flashed a lengthy-assortment work narrowly wide before Remy had his very first sight of goal, Mickael Landreau producing a fine reflex conserve to deny the striker following he was brilliantly played in by Valbuena.
Chedjou cleared one more Remy effort off the line following Morgan Amalfitano’s cost-free-kick was not dealt with and Lille had one more escape shortly prior to half-time. Cheyrou’s shot was parried by Landreau, who then place his subsequent work broad following being teed up by Cheyrou.
A frenetic start to the second half noticed Hazard play in Ireneusz Jelen, who shot straight at goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, ahead of Landreau kept out Valbuena’s half-volley at the other end.
Remy broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Lucho Gonzalez and Valbuena linked up and the latter stood the ball up for Remy to head previous Landreau.
Mandanda was forced into a diving preserve soon after Hazard beat Nicolas N’Koulou and shot powerfully, although Valbuena shot above at the other end.
But Marseille got their second aim soon after Chedjou misjudged a prolonged ball and was unable to atone for his error as Remy held him off and slotted previous Landreau.
Supply: Sportinglife Ligue one News
