Union Saint-Gilloise 2-3 Marseille: Mason Greenwood double helps French side to vital Champions League win

Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood scored twice as Marseille won at Union Saint-Gilloise to gain a vital Champions League victory.

The Belgian hosts took a fifth-minute lead with Anan Khalaili’s left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, only for Marseille to make it 1-1 through Igor Paixao’s strike into the top corner.

Greenwood got his first goal in the 41st minute, running at the home defence and linking up with ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before putting Marseille in front.

The French side extended their advantage in the 58th minute as Greenwood raced on to a pass from Matt O’Riley, who is on loan from Brighton, cut inside a defender and finished well.

Khalaili got his second with a low strike in the 71st minute to give Union hope and the hosts thought they had equalised when Kevin Mac Allister, the brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis, put the ball in the net – only for it to be ruled offside.

Promise David had a chance to make it 3-3 in the fourth minute of added time but saw his header saved by Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Marseille are now 16th in the league phase, with three wins and three losses, and entertain Liverpool in their next Champions League game on 21 January – before playing again in Belgium, against Club Brugge, on 28 January.

Union drop to 25th and are likely to need positive results at Bayern Munich and at home to Atalanta if they are to stay in the tournament.