In the final friendly match before the start of the Ligue 1 season, Olympique de Marseille secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Stade Vélodrome on August 9, 2025. Coming on at the hour mark, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the game’s key figure, scoring two goals in just 13 minutes that completely turned the match around.
His first goal, at the 77th minute, was a masterpiece: an acrobatic bicycle kick following a precise assist from Amir Murillo on the left flank. Just three minutes later, Aubameyang sealed Marseille’s win by slotting home a delicate pass from Mason Greenwood in a tight space, finishing a high-quality team move.
This spectacular performance proves that Aubameyang, recently returned to OM after a stint in the Middle East, is more than ever a major offensive asset for the Phocéens. His rapid scoring ability and decisive presence energized the Vélodrome crowd and boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the official season opener at Rennes.
This brace also highlights the competitive and intense nature of these preparation friendlies, where players like Aubameyang assert their key roles. It sends a strong message to Ligue 1 opponents: OM is ready to compete seriously this season with a world-class striker back in their ranks.