**Marseille Triumphs Over Nice in Ligue 1 Round 31 as Champions League Qualification Advances Near**

In a thrilling encounter in Ligue 1 Round 31, Marseille emerged victorious over Nice, securing a 2-1 win that keeps their hopes of a top-four finish—and a spot in the Champions League—very much alive. The match, played at Stade Vélodrome, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both sides creating chances and showcasing their attacking prowess.

Marseille took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Cédric Cisse powered a header past Nice goalkeeper Kevin Volland following a well-weighted cross from the right flank. The goal, a testament to Cisse's physical strength and timing, put the hosts ahead and set the tone for a competitive clash.

Despite being on the back foot, Nice responded well and levelled the score in the 55th minute through a stunning counter-attack. A clever interchange of passes in midfield saw Gaëtan Laborde break through the middle and slot the ball past Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who could have done better to keep it out.

However, Marseille refused to sit back and, with 20 minutes remaining, they regained the lead through a clinical counter-attack of their own. A perfectly timed through ball from Arkadiusz Milik found Cisse, who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Volland and securing all three points for the home side.

The victory moves Marseille into fourth place in the table, three points behind Paris Saint-Germain and level on points with Lille and Lyon. With three games remaining, they remain in contention for a top-four finish, which would see them qualify for next season’s Champions League.

For Nice, the loss extends their inconsistent form, and they now sit ninth in the table, five points behind Marseille. The club will need to improve defensively and find consistency in attack if they are to finish the season strongly and secure a European spot of their own.

Both teams now turn their attention to their next fixtures, with Marseille facing Strasbourg and Nice taking on Reims. For Marseille, the race for a top-four finish—and a spot in Europe—is far from over, while Nice’s European hopes hang in the balance.

As the Champions League qualification race intensifies, both sides will be desperate to make the most of their remaining games. For now, Marseille can take pride in their hard-fought victory over a resurgent Nice side, knowing that the battle for Europe is far from decided.