Marseille snatch late victory against Reims

Olympique de Marseille secured a 1-0 victory at newcomers Stade de Reims Champagne in their Ligue 1 opener thanks to Benoît Cheyrou's 77th-minute volley.

Having endured 33 years in the lower echelons of French football, Reims marked their return to the top flight with a display founded on enterprising football; the visitors were indebted to Steve Mandanda, who made a string of fine saves.

OM, who finished last season in tenth place, looked likely to have to settle for a point until a moment of individual class ensured Élie Baup tasted victory in his first league game in charge. Rod Fanni was the architect, crossing for Cheyrou to exquisitely volley past Kossi Agassa.

Next up for Reims is a trip to SC Bastia on Saturday, with Marseille hosting FC Sochaux-Montbéliard the following day.