Ludovic Ajorque struck twice as Brest beat Marseille 2-0 in Ligue 1, handing new coach Habib Beye a losing start on the touchline.
Marseille began a new chapter under Habib Beye, but it ended in disappointment. A first league match in charge brought a 2-0 defeat away to Brest. The hosts struck twice in the first half through Ludovic Ajorque. Marseille were left chasing the game from an early stage.
Beye had only been appointed days earlier as Roberto De Zerbi’s successor. He named an aggressive lineup aimed at a fast start. Instead, Brest imposed themselves quickly and never fully released control. The result extended Marseille’s difficult run on the road.
Brest made a bright and confident opening. Their intent was rewarded in the 10th minute. Ludovic Ajorque darted across his marker to meet a flick on from Hugo Magnetti. His glancing header beat Geronimo Rulli and set the tone.
Marseille attempted to respond with quicker ball circulation. Mason Greenwood and Daouda Guindo both found space but failed to finish. Brest stayed compact and patient. They waited for the next opening.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 29th minute. Magnetti again supplied the delivery, curling a teasing ball into the area. Ajorque rose highest and powered his header in off the left post. Marseille’s defence struggled with his physical presence.
Brest nearly had a third before the interval. Ajorque slipped between defenders and fired against the crossbar. The home crowd sensed control at the break. Marseille headed in trailing 2-0.
The visitors showed more urgency after half time. Quinten Timber tested Gregoire Coudert with a low effort. Greenwood became more involved between the lines. Brest were forced deeper for long spells.
Despite improved possession, clear chances remained limited. Brest defended their box well and countered when possible. The game began to drift toward a home win. Then a late opening appeared.
Marseille were handed a lifeline in the 82nd minute. Greenwood was clipped from behind by Guindo inside the area. The forward stepped up to take the penalty himself. Coudert guessed correctly and pushed the effort away.
That miss drained belief from the visitors. Brest managed the final minutes calmly. The clean sheet was preserved with little alarm. Beye watched on as his first match slipped away.
Marseille are now winless in three matches in Ligue 1. They have conceded 12 goals in their last four away games in all competitions. In this match, they produced 17 shots but failed to score. Their expected goals return of 1.42 went unrewarded.
Brest climbed to 11th with the victory. They have now collected 16 points against top half sides this season. Ajorque led all players with five shots. Both of his efforts on target resulted in goals.
Marseille remain fourth but face growing pressure. Their next league match comes at home to Lyon on March 1. Lyon sit five points clear and have a game in hand. Brest travel to Metz next with renewed confidence after a complete display.
