Marseille snatched victory in the Coupe de la Ligue final as Taye Taiwo scored the only goal ten minutes from time.

After a tight contest, Taiwo broke Montpellier hearts when he slammed home the rebound after Laurent Pionnier could only half-clear Benoit Cheyrou's free-kick.

It meant OM successfully defended the cup, and will raise confidence in the camp that they can now go on and do the same in Ligue 1.

Marseille enjoyed the better of the game, but did not have it all their own way and would have been fearing extra-time at a busy stage of the season.

Cheyrou had the first chance of the game, but shot directly at the veteran Pionnier, who was chosen ahead of regular Geoffrey Jourdren as Rene Girard rewarded the former captain for his performances in the cup this season.

Moments later, Pionnier was in action again, punching clear Lucho Gonzalez's free-kick.

Montpellier then had a chance when Gabriel Heinze fluffed his clearance, but Jamelle Saihi saw his close-range shot well blocked by Steve Mandanda.

Marseille then went the closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time when Mathieu Valbuena broke into the area but saw his powerful shot come back off the post.

The champions were on the attack again early in the second half, but Pionnier made a fine save to deny Ayew, who then headed wide from a corner ten minutes later.

But for most of the half Montpellier gave as good as they got and the tension rose as the time ticked on.

But there proved to be no need for extra time as Taiwo smashed home from close range.