Ligue 1 final day: european qualification and relegation playoff battles reach fever pitch

While Paris Saint-Germain was crowned French champion for the fourteenth time in its history on Wednesday, preparing to face Paris FC in the derby at Jean-Bouin, the final Ligue 1 matchday this Sunday, May 17, promises intense drama. Numerous uncertainties remain, affecting both the battle for European club competitions and the crucial relegation playoff position.

Lille holds their fate in their hands

Behind the already secured Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens, a thrilling three-way contest is unfolding for the third and final direct qualification spot for the Champions League. Lille currently sits in third with 61 points, followed closely by Lyon with 60 points, and Rennes in fifth with 59 points.

The Lille footballers, enjoying an impressive run of thirteen matches without defeat since February 1, are uniquely positioned to secure this coveted third place. Should LOSC triumph against Auxerre, who are fighting to avoid the playoff, their position will be unassailable. The northern club has already guaranteed at least a fifth-place finish, which secures a spot in the Europa League. Meanwhile, Lyon’s players are keenly watching Lille’s performance as they host Lens. A victory for Lyon against Les Sang et Or, who may have their minds on their upcoming Coupe de France final against Nice next week, could at minimum secure a Champions League preliminary round berth.

Marseille versus Rennes: a high-stakes encounter

The clash at the Vélodrome between Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennais carries significant weight, with the losing side potentially facing severe consequences. If Stade Rennais manages to avoid defeat, they are guaranteed a place in the Europa League, with a win offering the possibility of an even better European spot. However, a loss could relegate them to the less prestigious – and less lucrative – Europa Conference League. Franck Haise’s squad has recently suffered two setbacks against direct European rivals (2-1 against Lille and 4-2 against Lyon). For Olympique Marseille coach Habib Beye, returning to the club that dismissed him in February, the pressure is even more intense.

After a season marked by numerous twists and turns both on and off the pitch, the Marseillais, who secured a lukewarm victory against Le Havre following a heavy defeat in Nantes, are desperate to improve on their current sixth-place standing. However, a defeat could see Marseille lose everything: Monaco, currently seventh and just two points behind OM, could leapfrog the Olympiens and push them out of European contention entirely if they secure a victory against Strasbourg.

The relegation playoff: Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice?

With Metz and Nantes already confirmed for relegation to Ligue 2 next season, three clubs are locked in a desperate struggle to avoid the relegation playoff spot: Le Havre (14th, 32 points), Auxerre (15th, 31 points), and Nice (16th, 31 points).

Despite an early goal from Sofiane Diop (2-1), Auxerre managed to overcome Nice last week, buying themselves a crucial lifeline. However, their final fixture is a daunting trip to Lille. Paradoxically, Nice, currently occupying the playoff spot, appears to be in a strong position to secure their safety. The Nice footballers will host Metz, the league’s bottom-placed team, who have not recorded a win since November. Le Havre, on the other hand, faces a challenging away match against Lorient (9th), a consistently solid club. The Normans could find themselves in the playoff spot if their two direct competitors for survival win, continuing a long downward slide; Le Havre has not won a match since early February against Strasbourg.