While Paris Saint-Germain, securing their fourteenth French championship title mid-week, prepares for a derby clash against Paris FC at Jean-Bouin, the league’s final fixture list is packed with high-stakes encounters. Numerous uncertainties persist, impacting both crucial European qualification berths and the dreaded relegation playoff position.

Lille controls its champions league destiny

Following Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens in the standings, three formidable clubs remain locked in a fierce contest for the coveted third and final direct qualification spot in the Ligue 1 championship, which grants entry to the UEFA Champions League. These contenders are Lille, currently in third place with 61 points, Lyon in fourth with 60 points, and Rennes, sitting fifth with 59 points.

The Lille footballers, enjoying an impressive unbeaten streak since February 1st—spanning thirteen matches—are uniquely positioned to secure this crucial third position. Should LOSC triumph over playoff-bound Auxerre, their spot will be unassailable. The northern club has already guaranteed itself at least fifth place in Ligue 1, which secures a berth in the Europa League. Meanwhile, Lyon’s players are keenly observing Lille’s performance while preparing to host Lens. A victory against the Sang et Or, who may have their focus divided by their upcoming Coupe de France final against Nice next week, could propel Lyon into at least a Champions League preliminary round.

Marseille vs. Rennes: a high-stakes encounter

The pivotal clash at the Vélodrome between Olympique de Marseille and Rennes carries immense consequences for the losing side. If Stade Rennais avoids defeat, they are guaranteed a place in the Europa League, with a victory potentially securing an even better outcome. However, a loss could relegate them to the considerably less prestigious – and less lucrative – Europa Conference League. Franck Haise’s squad has recently experienced setbacks against direct European rivals, falling to Lille (2-1) and Lyon (4-2). For Marseille coach Habib Beye, facing the club that dismissed him in February adds an extra layer of intense pressure.

Following a season marked by both on-field drama and off-field controversies, Marseille, who narrowly defeated Le Havre after a disappointing loss to Nantes, must strive for a finish higher than their current sixth position. Yet, a defeat could prove catastrophic for Marseille: Monaco, currently seventh and just two points behind OM, could leapfrog the Olympiens and deny them a European spot if they secure a victory against Strasbourg.

The relegation playoff: le havre, auxerre, or nice?

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

Last week, Auxerre, despite an early goal from Sofiane Diop (2-1), controlled the match against Nice, earning themselves a temporary reprieve. However, their final fixture sees them travel to face Lille, a formidable challenge. Ironically, Nice, currently occupying the playoff position, appears to be in a strong position to secure safety. The Nice footballers will host Metz, the league’s bottom-ranked team, who haven’t registered a victory since November. Meanwhile, Le Havre faces a tough away game against Lorient (9th), a consistently strong side. The Normans could find themselves in the playoff if their two rivals for survival both win, capping off a prolonged slide in form; Le Havre has not secured a win since early February against Strasbourg.