Ligue 1: Hat-trick hero Gouiri fires Marseille past Brest; Sinayoko provides three assists

Amine Gouiri led Olympique de Marseille to a comprehensive 4–1 win over Brest in matchweek 31 of French Ligue 1. The Algerian scored his first hat-trick for OM in the crucial victory as they set their sights on a podium finish – guaranteeing UEFA Champions League football next season.

Gouiri has been lively since arriving in Marseille from Rennes. He gave the hosts the lead with an excellent finish inside the penalty area, before Senegal international Abdallah Sima restored parity as OM failed to clear their lines from a corner.

Nonetheless, goals from Mason Greenwood and another from Gouiri gave Marseille a two-goal advantage. For his second strike, the Algerian found the net with a brilliant overhead kick, sending the passionate fans at Stade Vélodrome into a frenzy. The 25-year-old completed his treble after being released by Adrien Rabiot in the 63rd minute.

Marseille have strengthened their foothold on second spot with 58 points; however, Lille and Monaco are close behind with 56 and 55 points, respectively. Lyon, Nice, and Strasbourg are all on 54 as competition for European spots continues to heat up.

Gouiri is the first Marseille player to bag a hat-trick in the past three seasons. He now has 11 league goals and seven assists.

Elsewhere, Malian international Lassine Sinayoko completed a hat-trick of assists as Auxerre thrashed RC Lens 4-0. The 25-year-old provided all three assists in just 11 minutes, playing a crucial role in leading Auxerre to a famous away win in northern France. Sinayoko now has seven assists this season, as Auxerre sit tenth in the table with 41 points.