# Marseille Beats Montpellier in Ligue 1 with Guendouzi's Goal

Marseille secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Montpellier in a thrilling Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Vélodrome on Sunday. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying attacking intent and defensive resilience. The result sees Marseille move up to third place in the league standings, while Montpellier drop to eighth.

### A Thrilling Contest from Start to Finish

The game began at a intense pace, with both sides creating chances in the opening exchanges. Marseille’s summer signing, Gaëtan Laborde, had a promising effort saved by Montpellier’s goalkeeper, Éric Bailly, before the hosts took the lead in the 15th minute. A clinical counter-attack saw Kevin Vardy slot home after being played in by Cédric Bakambu, who was making his debut for the club.

Montpellier responded swiftly, with Steve Mounie levelling the score just five minutes later. The visitors’ pressure increased, and Marseille’s defence, already without the suspended Chancel Mbemba, faced a stern test. However, the home side regrouped and took control of the game.

### Guendouzi’s Stellar Performance

One of the standout performers on the night was Marseille’s young star, Sofian Guendouzi. The 21-year-old midfield maestro was pivotal in both goals, showcasing his vision, composure, and technical ability. His perfectly weighted pass set up Vardy for the first goal, and he was instrumental in creating the second goal. Guendouzi’s energy and creativity were a constant threat to Montpellier’s defence, and he capped his performance with a stunning strike from 25 yards out, which rippled the net.

Guendouzi’s goal was a moment of pure brilliance, a reminder of his growing reputation as one of European football’s brightest talents. His leadership and influence on the pitch were also evident, as he marshaled his team through periods of pressure.

### Montpellier’s Response Falls Short

Despite going behind twice, Montpellier refused to lie down and threw everything into attacking. Mounie, who scored his first goal of the season, led the line with determination, but Marseille’s defence held firm. The visitors’ efforts were rewarded with an equalizer in the 75th minute, as Mounie converted a penalty after being fouled by Marseille’s Boubacar Diarra.

However, Marseille’s resilience shone through, and they responded with a late surge. Guendouzi’s second goal sealed the deal, and despite a late rally from Montpellier, Marseille held on for a well-deserved victory.

### A Crucial Win for Marseille

This win extends Marseille’s unbeaten run to five games and keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish. The club’s new signings, such as Guendouzi and Vardy, are proving to be instrumental in their campaign, while the experienced duo of Bakambu and Rémy continue to provide leadership.

For Montpellier, the defeat is a setback, but they remain a dangerous side and will look to bounce back in their next game against Strasbourg. Marseille, on the other hand, will take pride in their fighting spirit and adaptability, especially after losing key players like Mbemba to injury.

Overall, this was a thrilling match that showcased the quality of Ligue 1 and highlighted the importance of key players in driving their teams forward. Marseille’s victory will no doubt be a boost to their fans as they aim for a successful season.