**Marseille Defeat Reims 2-1: Payet Scores Free-Kick Winner in Ligue 1 Round 19**
In the highly anticipated first round of Ligue 1, Marseille faced off against Reims at the Stade de France on Saturday evening. The match was closely contested from start to finish, with both teams displaying impressive attacking prowess and tactical nous. However, it was Marseille's late strike that proved decisive, as their captain, Antoine Payet, scored a stunning free-kick to secure a crucial 2-1 victory.
The opening goal came early in the game when Marseille's midfielder, Jérémy Mignolet, managed to intercept a corner kick and score a low shot into the far corner of the net. This gave Marseille a much-needed lead in the first half, but Reims quickly mounted a comeback attempt. In the 54th minute, Reims' forward, Thomas Lemar, capitalized on a loose ball and fired home a penalty kick to tie the score at one.
The second half saw Marseille pressing hard for another goal. Their attackers were relentless in their pursuit of the ball, creating numerous opportunities for scoring. However, it wasn't until the 88th minute that Marseille finally broke through. Payet, who had been lurking just outside the box, received a pass from his team-mate and took advantage of a moment of indecision from the Reims defense. He calmly placed a powerful free-kick past the goalkeeper, securing the win for Marseille.
This victory marks Marseille's fifth straight league win, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches. It also gives them a strong chance of claiming the title this season. Meanwhile, Reims' loss leaves them with only three wins so far in the campaign, putting pressure on them to improve if they want to avoid relegation.
The match highlights the strength of both teams, with Marseille demonstrating their ability to score goals despite facing tough opposition. They will now turn their attention to their next fixture, which is scheduled for October 27 against Nice. Reims, on the other hand, must find ways to regroup and bounce back from this defeat before their final two games of the season.
As the football world continues to watch, the outcome of Marseille's clash with Reims remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – it promises to be an exciting encounter that will undoubtedly leave fans eagerly anticipating the results.