# Ligue 1 Round 25: Payet Scores Free-Kick as Marseille Narrowly Wins Against Rennes
In a thrilling encounter in Ligue 1 Round 25, Marseille edged out Rennes in a 1-0 victory, thanks in large part to a stunning free-kick goal from Jean Michaël Payet. The match, played at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, was a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating chances but ultimately, it was Payet’s moment to shine.
From the first whistle, Marseille controlled possession but struggled to break down a solid Rennes defense. The visitors, meanwhile, posed a constant threat, particularly through the pace of Terem Moffi. However, the decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Payet stepped up to take a free-kick 25 yards out. His strike curled perfectly over the wall and into the top corner, giving Marseille a crucial 1-0 lead.
Despite this early lead, the game remained tense. Rennes threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Marseille’s defense held firm, led by the experienced pair of Chancel Mbaka and Gaëtan Laborde. The home side’s ability to withstand the pressure was pivotal, as Payet’s goal proved to be the difference.
The victory keeps Marseille firmly in the hunt at 34 matches, maintaining their competitive edge in the league standings. While they are now eighth, just three points behind fifth-placed Clermont, the performance will give them confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.
For Rennes, the defeat means they drop to 16th place, but with several key players returning from injury, the capital city club will be aiming to bounce back in their next fixture against Nîmes Olympique.
In a match that was a testament to both sides’ fighting spirit, Marseille’s narrow win will be remembered for Payet’s Heroic free-kick. As the league race continues to heat up, the battle for European qualification remains intense, and every point is crucial.