The Stade Vélodrome is set to host a high-stakes Ligue 1 showdown as Olympique de Marseille (OM) prepares to face Stade Rennais in a must-win clash to secure a top-five finish and Europa League qualification. With the final whistle of the season looming, the Phocéens must deliver a victory to leapfrog their opponents and claim the fifth spot currently occupied by Rennes.

Despite a hard-fought win over Le Havre, Marseille’s form remains a major concern. While the three points in Normandy provided a morale boost, the performance at Stade Océane did little to reassure supporters. Defensive frailties persist, and the once-dominant attacking force has lost its cutting edge since Roberto De Zerbi’s departure.

Habib Beye, who returns to the Vélodrome as an opponent to his former club, will face a familiar challenge. Franck Haise, his successor at Rennes, has revitalized the Breton side, steering them to eight wins, one draw, and two defeats in eleven Ligue 1 matches. Beye, however, has a tougher record to defend—only five victories, one draw, and five losses in the same period. Tactical acumen will be key as he seeks to outmaneuver a seasoned coach and address his team’s glaring issues.

The weight of expectation on Beye is immense. With an objectively stronger squad, Marseille has underperformed repeatedly this season, including draws against Lorient, Nice, and Nantes. The pressure is on to turn the tide in this decisive encounter. The hostile atmosphere of the Stade Vélodrome may further complicate matters, yet the Olympiens are no strangers to such challenges.

A victory for Marseille would not only secure European football for next season but also mark a significant statement of intent ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign.

Head-to-head: OM and Rennes in Ligue 1

Rennes and Marseille have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1, with Marseille holding a slight edge in the historical balance. The Phocéens have claimed 50 wins, while Rennes boast 34 victories, alongside 33 draws. Recent meetings at the Vélodrome have not favored the Breton side, though their resilience in away fixtures remains a threat.

Recent clashes between OM and Rennes

• 17/05/2025: Olympique de Marseille 4-2 Stade Rennais FC
• 03/12/2023: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
• 18/09/2022: Olympique de Marseille 1-1 Stade Rennais FC
• 19/09/2021: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
• 10/03/2021: Olympique de Marseille 1-0 Stade Rennais FC

Anticipated lineups for OM vs Rennes

Marseille will be without defensive stalwarts Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, both sidelined abroad. The availability of Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir remains uncertain, adding to Beye’s tactical dilemmas.

Over in Rennes, Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier are ruled out, while Brice Samba faces a suspension. The probable starting elevens are as follows:

Olympique de Marseille (probable XI): Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.

Stade Rennais (probable XI): Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.

When and where to watch OM vs Rennes

The decisive Ligue 1 encounter is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2025, with kickoff set for 21:00 at the Stade Orange Vélodrome.

Broadcast details for the match

The clash will be available on Ligue 1+ 2, with Ligue 1+ providing the live multiplex coverage.