Giant banners of Bernard Tapie were displayed at Stade Velodrome as Marseille fans paid an emotional tribute to the former club president before their team's 4-1 home win over Lorient.
Marseille's win moved them up to third place, one point behind second-place Lens, who lost 1-0 to Montpellier, and one point ahead of Nice in fourth.
"Avec Toi Nous Avons Atteint Les Sommets" (With You We Reached the Heights) one banner read, with a picture of Tapie placed between the years 1943 and 2021. Tapie died on October 3 at the age of 78.
It was under Tapie's leadership that Marseille won the Champions League in 1993, toppling Italian giants AC Milan.
Forward Armand Lauriente put the visitors ahead early on from the penalty spot to quieten Stade Velodrome, which was hosting a game for the first time since Tapie died.
Midfielder Boubacar Kamara equalised in the 27th with a slightly deflected shot from the edge of the penalty area after being set up by former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Guendouzi put Marseille ahead in the 57th when he headed in from Dimitri Payet's corner.
Imposing Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik capped a good second half for Marseille when he netted a late third goal after being played through on goal by Payet.
Guendouzi completed the rout in injury time, courtesy of a third assist from Payet.
Lens' defeat at Montpellier left them nine points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain after 10 matches.
Montpellier dominated the first half and pressure told moments after the break when English striker Stephy Mavididi scored from Teji Savanier's pass.
Nice lost 1-0 at promoted Troyes after failing to reply to an early goal from forward Mama Balde.
Striker Gaetan Laborde continued his fine scoring form with his league-leading seventh goal as improving Rennes won 3-0 at lowly Metz.
Saint-Etienne coach Claude Puel is under increasing pressure to keep his job after the cellar dwellers were belted 5-1 at Strasbourg.
Second-last Brest drew 1-1 at home with Reims while lowly Bordeaux and mid-table Nantes also shared two goal and the points.
Australian Associated Press
