This is one reason why it's often thought that a long-term station in Earth orbit (possibly at one of the Lagrange points) is a pre-requisite for a Mars mission

This is one reason why it's often thought that a long-term station in Earth orbit (possibly at one of the Lagrange points) is a pre-requisite for a Mars mission. So, you could decelerate to the station instead of to re-entry. But, it is possible if one sent enough supplies ahead. One way of handling things if there's a long-term station is to build the ship to Mars in space (or at least refuel at the station). If you send the return fuel ahead (or find a way to make it while at Mars) you aren't required to carry a large amount of fuel.