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Football Insider

Roberto De Zerbi explains why Mason Greenwood was substituted at half-time during Marseille's collapse at Sporting

Find out why Mason Greenwood was taken off at half-time during Marseille's disappointing loss at Sporting. The French side suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat in Lisbon after a promising start led by Igor Paixao's goal was overshadowed by controversy and red card.

Roberto De Zerbi explains why Mason Greenwood was substituted at half-time during Marseille's collapse at Sporting

Roberto De Zerbi explained why Mason Greenwood was taken off at half-time during Marseille's collapse at Sporting. The French outfit's Champions League night in Lisbon ended in heartbreak as the hosts came from behind to seal a dramatic 2-1 win. The French side had led through Igor Paixao’s thunderbolt in the first half, but the game unravelled spectacularly after Emerson Palmieri was controversially sent off just before half-time.

1

The Lead-up to Marseille's Collapse

In the first half of the match, Marseille seemed to be in control after Igor Paixao's stunning goal gave them the lead. The team's performance was solid, and they appeared to be on course for a crucial Champions League victory.

2

Controversial Red Card

However, the game took a turn just before half-time when Emerson Palmieri was controversially shown a red card. The decision to send off Palmieri left Marseille with a player short and significantly altered the dynamics of the game.

3

Mason Greenwood's Substitution

One of the key decisions made by Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi was substituting Mason Greenwood at half-time. While the move may have raised eyebrows among fans, De Zerbi later explained that it was a tactical decision aimed at addressing the team's new circumstances following Palmieri's red card.

4

Sporting's Comeback

Sporting took advantage of Marseille's numerical disadvantage and mounted a strong comeback in the second half. The hosts scored two goals to turn the match around and secure a thrilling 2-1 victory, leaving Marseille stunned and disappointed.

5

Post-Match Analysis

After the match, Roberto De Zerbi reflected on his decision to substitute Greenwood and the team's overall performance. While disappointed with the result, he acknowledged the challenges faced by Marseille after the red card and praised Sporting for their resilience and determination.

Published on October 23, 2025