**Marseille Beats Strasbourg in 3-1 Match: Payet Leads with Scoring and Assist, Guendouzi Makes Impact**

Marseille secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Strasbourg in a Ligue 1 encounter on Saturday, showcasing their growing confidence under manager Igor Cvitanovic. The match, played at Stade Vélodrome, was a thrilling encounter that saw Marseille dominate from the first whistle.

**Key Performances:**

The star of the match was undoubtedly Kevin Vardy Payet, who scored twice and created one goal for his teammates. Payet opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a clinical finish, and his relentless energy throughout the game was a constant threat to Strasbourg’s defense. His ability to link defense and attack made him the standout performer of the day.

Joining Payet in impressing was midfield maestro Bilal Guendouzi, who made a significant impact after being introduced in the second half. Guendouzi’s composure on the ball and his vision for the game were evident as he orchestrated several attacks, including the third goal, which he scored himself in the 65th minute. His presence added a new dimension to Marseille’s play and highlighted his growing importance to the team.

**Goal Breakdown:**

The game was decided in the 21st and 65th minutes, with Payet and Guendouzi contributing to the goals. In the 21st minute, Payet capitalized on a defensive error to slot home his first goal. Then, in the 65th minute, Guendouzi finished off a well-constructed move, extending Marseille’s lead to 2-0. Strasbourg pulled one back in the 67th minute through a well-taken goal, but Marseille responded quickly. A counter-attack led by Payet resulted in him teeing up Cesc Fàbregas, who slotted home the third goal in the 73rd minute, sealing the victory.

**Quotes and Reactions:**

Igor Cvitanovic praised his side’s performance, particularly highlighting Payet’s all-around contribution. “Kevin was amazing today—defensively, offensively, he did everything,” Cvitanovic said. “And Bilal came in and made a big impact. It’s a great win for us, and the team is growing stronger with every game.”

Payet, speaking after the match, said, “We controlled the game from the start. Strasbourg made it difficult for us, but we adapted well. Scoring twice and assisting shows that I’m contributing in different ways. The team is united, and we’re fighting for our goals.”

**Context and Implications:**

Marseille’s win moves them to eighth place in Ligue 1, with four wins in their last five games. The team is showing signs of consistency and is now unbeaten in their last three matches. Strasbourg, meanwhile, slip to 11th place but will need to regroup as they face more challenging opposition in the coming weeks.

This victory will give Marseille confidence heading into their next fixture against Nîmes Olympique. With key players like Payet and Guendouzi in top form, the capital side looks poised to continue their upward trajectory in the league table.

In summary, Marseille’s 3-1 win over Strasbourg was a testament to their growing quality and teamwork. Payet’s brilliance and Guendouzi’s influence will be crucial as the season progresses, and the team is now firmly in the hunt for a successful campaign.