**Marseille Comeback: Payet Seals Win with Free-Kick in Stoppage Time**
Marseille produced a thrilling comeback to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lorient in a Ligue 1 encounter, with a dramatic free-kick goal from Franck Payet sealing the win in stoppage time. The match, which took place at the Stade Vélodrome, was a rollercoaster of emotions as both sides fought to take control.
Lorient took an early lead through a well-taken goal, but Marseille responded with determination. Despite trailing, the home side gradually turned the game around. The turning point came in the 74th minute when Lorient’s defense was caught off guard by a well-timed tackle, awarding Marseille a free-kick on the edge of the box. Payet, known for his precision, stepped up and delivered a pinpoint cross that found the head of Djibril Sidibé, who fired the ball into the net to level the score.
As the game entered stoppage time, both teams pushed for a winner. Lorient thought they had found the winner in the 90th minute, but their celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside. Marseille, now sensing an opportunity, refused to back down. In the 97th minute, Payet took the ball 25 yards out from the penalty area after being fouled. With the wall at his mercy, he launched a high, arcing shot that curved perfectly into the top corner. The ball flew past the diving Lorient goalkeeper, and the crowd erupted in celebration.
Payet’s strike was a moment of magic, showcasing his technical ability and composure under pressure. The win, coming from a late free-kick, highlighted Marseille’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to find a way to win even when the odds seemed against them.
This comeback victory will be remembered as a testament to Marseille’s resilience and their ability to turn a game around when it seems lost. For Payet, it was a performance that will surely be talked about for a long time. As the full-time whistle blew, the players celebrated wildly, knowing they had earned a hard-fought but well-deserved victory.
Marseille’s comeback will give them confidence heading into their next matches, and Lorient will need to regroup after a tough defeat. For now, though, the spotlight is firmly on Payet and Marseille’s ability to seal the deal when it matters most.