Florian Thauvin came back in style from a 15-month layoff with one goal and two assists as Marseille launched their new Ligue 1 season with a 3-2 win. On Sunday, the French international struck the opener for Andre Villas-Boas' side 20 minutes into the game, before turning provider for center-back Duje Caleta-Car's double in the 27th and 80th minute, reports Xinhua news agency.
"I'm really happy to have scored. It was a very long time out, the first long injury of my career," Thauvin told Telefoot after the match. "I admit I went through a difficult period but I worked a lot and I'm proud because I didn't give up. I think I'm at 70 or 80 percent," he added. "But if you had told me after so long without playing I was going to be at this level, I would have signed right away," he said.
Niko Kovac first Victory With Bayern Munich
Romain Faivre scored for the hosts in first-half stoppage time, and Gaetan Charbonnier's goal in the 89th minute caused Marseille a few nervy moments, but it was not enough to take the win away from last season's runners-up.
Earlier in the day, former Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac secured his first Ligue 1 victory as Monaco boss, as his new team beat Metz 1-0, thanks to teenage defender Benoit Badiashile's goal in the 22nd minute.
Paris Saint-Germain's Fixture Postponed
Monaco were reduced to 10 men only one minute into the second half after midfielder Youssouf Fofana was sent off for receiving a second yellow card. Last season's French Cup finalists Saint-Etienne also started their new campaign with a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Lorient at home.
Romain Homouma netted twice for the Greens, whose matchday 1 game against Marseille last week was postponed to September after several COVID-19 cases were reported before the clash. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will not play this weekend, as their match against newly-promoted Lens has been postponed to September 10.
