**Marseille Triumphs Over Athletic Bilbao with Payet's Free Kick and Nerves Their Way to Victory in the Second Half of the Ligue 1 Round 25**

Marseille secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their Ligue 1 Round 25 clash, thanks to a stunning free kick by star forward Kevin Payet and resilient defending in the second half. The match, played at a sold-out Stade Velodrome, was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

### Key Moments: Payet's Free Kick Proves Crucial

The game was deadlocked at 1-1 early in the second half after Bilbao striker Luis Suarez converted a penalty. However, Marseille responded with a clinical counter-attack. Payet, who had missed a penalty earlier in the match, made no mistake this time, striking a perfectly executed free kick from 25 yards out into the top corner. The goal sent the Stade Velodrome into raptures and gave Marseille the lead for the first time since the interval.

### Nerves and Drama in the Second Half

Bilbao pushed hard for an equalizer, with Suarez and fellow striker Iago Aspas leading the charge. The visitors' pressure told in the 54th minute when referee Frankalker awarded them a penalty after a handball decision against Marseille's Bouna Diop. Suarez stepped up and scored, bringing the game level at 2-2.

Marseille, however, showed immense character to hold on for the win. Their defense, led by the experienced pair of Chancel Mbappé and Andre Lewis, stood firm and absorbed Bilbao's attacks. The visitors' efforts were thwarted by a combination of solid defending and smart goalkeeper play from Les Phocéens.

### A Heroic Defending Performance

Marseille's defense was stellar, particularly in the second half, as they prevented Bilbao from creating any clear chances after the interval. Mbappé, who later scored the winning penalty in the shootout, was a commanding presence at the back, while Lewis made several crucial saves to keep his team in front.

### Second-Half Surge Keeps Momentum

Despite the late pressure from Bilbao, Marseille's second-half surge ensured they maintained their momentum. The win extends their unbeaten run to seven games and solidifies their position in the top half of the table, with just five points separating them from the relegation zone.

### Reaction from Fans and Pundits

The victory was met with widespread celebration among Marseille's loyal fans, who packed the Stade Velodrome. Many praised Payet's composure after his early penalty miss and lauded the team's ability to dig deep during a tense second half. Pundits have also highlighted the importance of this win as Marseille aim to build on their recent form heading into the latter stages of the season.

Overall, Marseille's 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao was a testament to their mental strength and resilience. The match will be remembered for Payet's stunning free kick and the nerve-wracking drama that followed, ultimately leading to a well-deserved triumph for les Phocéens.