Marseille Beats Strasbourg in 3-1 Match, Payet Highlights with 2 Goals and Assist

# Marseille Beats Strasbourg in 3-1 Match, Payet Highlights with 2 Goals and Assist

In a thrilling encounter between two powerhouse French football clubs, Marseille secured a 3-1 victory over Strasbourg on Sunday afternoon at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. The match was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams, with Marseille's attacking prowess proving decisive as they claimed their first win against Strasbourg in nearly three months.

### Key Highlights:

1. **Payet's Double**: Marseille captain Kevin Payet dominated the game, scoring twice for his side. His first goal came in the opening minutes when he capitalized on a loose ball from the Strasbourg defense. In the second half, Payet delivered a perfect assist that led to Marseille's second goal, completing his hat-trick in the final moments of the match.

2. **Strasbourg's Resilience**: Despite losing two key players – goalkeeper Nicolas Lasco and defender Jean-Baptiste Laval – Strasbourg showed remarkable composure and fought back. They managed to create several chances throughout the match, but Marseille's defensive performance remained solid, preventing them from capitalizing on these opportunities.

3. **Marseille's Attacking Dominance**: Marseille's attack was the backbone of their victory. Their midfielders, including Olivier Giroud, Paul Pogba, and Yannick Bolasie, provided constant support to Payet and allowed him to exploit the space in front of the goal. The team's ability to maintain possession and move the ball quickly down the field was crucial in creating multiple scoring opportunities.

4. **Defensive Strength**: Marseille's defense also played a vital role in securing the win. The team displayed excellent discipline and teamwork, which helped prevent Strasbourg from taking control of the match. The full-backs, particularly Mathieu Valbuena and Vincent Kompany, were instrumental in keeping the visitors off the scoreboard.

5. **Match Summary**: The match started with Marseille dominating the possession, forcing several Strasbourg errors. Payet's early goal gave Marseille an early lead, which they maintained until the end of the first half. In the second half, Marseille increased their pressure, and Payet's assist and second goal sealed the deal. Strasbourg tried to come back late, but Marseille's defense held firm, leaving them with no way to扳 even the scoreline.

### Conclusion:

The Marseille vs. Strasbourg match showcased the strength of both teams' attacking and defensive capabilities. Marseille's ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain possession proved to be the difference in this match. Payet's impressive display, combining goals and assists, highlighted the importance of individual skill and team unity in modern football. With this win, Marseille moved up in the French league standings and set themselves up for continued success in the upcoming season.