### Ligue 1 Round 19: Marseille 2-1 Reims - Payet Scores Free-Kick Winner in Stoppage Time

#### Introduction

In the highly competitive French top flight, Marseille and Reims met at Stade Velodrome on Saturday night for a tense encounter that concluded with Marseille securing a 2-1 victory over their opponents in stoppage time. The match was notable for several key moments, including a dramatic free-kick goal scored by striker Antoine Payet in extra time.

#### Match Highlights

**First Half (45+1')**

- Marseille took control early on with a series of solid attacking moves, but they struggled to find the back of the net.

- Reims managed to create some chances, particularly from set-pieces, but Marseille's defense held firm.

- In the 68th minute, Marseille's defensive midfielder Didier Drogba made a crucial tackle that denied Reims' attacker from scoring.

**Second Half (45+2')**

- The game remained evenly matched until the 77th minute when Marseille's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved a penalty attempt by Reims' forward.

- Marseille continued to press hard, and in the 83rd minute, defender Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a cross which was headed into the net by substitute Yannick Bolasie. This equalized the score.

**Extra Time (45+3', 45+4', 45+5')**

- The game went into extra time, and both teams were determined to secure a win.

- Marseille dominated the first extra period, creating numerous opportunities, but failed to convert them.

- In the second extra period, Marseille started to gain momentum, and in the 90th minute, Marseille's right-back Aymen Ben Hassine played a one-two pass with Aubameyang before delivering a cross which was headed into the net by Payet. The referee awarded a spot kick for a foul in the box, and Payet calmly dispatched the ball past Reims goalkeeper Thomas Lemar, giving Marseille a 2-1 lead.

#### Key Players and Performances

- **Antoine Payet**: As mentioned, Payet was instrumental in Marseille's victory. His free-kick winner in extra time showcased his skill and confidence as a striker.

- **Didier Drogba**: Despite not playing much in the first half, Drogba's tackle in the 68th minute was a significant moment, denying Reims a potential goal.

- **Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang**: His substitution and contribution in the second half were crucial as Marseille regained control of the game.

- **Thibaut Courtois**: While he did save a penalty attempt in the second half, Courtois performed well overall, making several important saves.

#### Final Thoughts

Marseille's victory against Reims was a testament to their resilience and tactical execution. The team demonstrated strong teamwork and adaptability throughout the match, especially during the extra time. With this result, Marseille maintained their position in the league table and moved closer to qualifying for the Champions League play-offs. The performance of Antoine Payet, who scored the winning goal, will be remembered as a standout moment in this high-stakes encounter.