With Paris Saint-Germain already crowned French champions for an impressive fourteenth time this past Wednesday, the spotlight shifts dramatically to the remaining battles. As PSG faces Paris FC in a derby clash at Jean-Bouin, the final Ligue 1 matchday promises intense drama and numerous uncertainties, impacting both European qualification and the critical relegation playoff position. Let’s delve into the crucial scenarios unfolding this championship Sunday.

Lille holds its fate in the Champions League race

Behind the already secured spots of Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens, a fierce contest rages among three clubs for the third and final direct qualification place in the Champions League. Lille, currently 3rd with 61 points, is closely followed by Lyon (4th, 60 points) and Rennes (5th, 59 points).

Remarkably, Lille has remained undefeated since February 1st, a formidable run of thirteen matches, placing them in a prime position to clinch third place. Should LOSC triumph over Auxerre, who are fighting to avoid the playoff, they will be unreachable. The northern club has already guaranteed itself at least a fifth-place finish, securing a spot in the Europa League. Meanwhile, Lyon’s players will be keenly watching Lille’s result as they host Lens. A victory for Lyon against the ‘Sang et Or,’ who may have their focus on next week’s Coupe de France final against Nice, could at least secure them a Champions League preliminary round berth.

Marseille vs. Rennes: a high-stakes encounter

The pivotal clash at the Vélodrome between Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennais carries immense consequences for the losing side. Rennes, by avoiding defeat, can secure a place in the Europa League, or even improve their standing with a win. However, a loss could relegate them to the less prestigious – and less lucrative – Europa Conference League. Franck Haise’s Rennes squad recently suffered two defeats against direct European rivals, Lille (2-1) and Lyon (4-2). For Marseille coach Habib Beye, returning to face the club that dismissed him in February, the pressure is even more intense.

After a season filled with twists and turns both on and off the pitch, Marseille, despite a lackluster victory against Le Havre following a thrashing by Nantes, desperately needs to improve upon their 6th place. But a defeat could spell disaster for Marseille: Monaco, sitting seventh and just two points behind OM, could leapfrog the Olympiens and push them out of all European qualification spots if they secure a win against Strasbourg.

Relegation playoff: Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice face the drop

With Metz and Nantes already confirmed for relegation to Ligue 2 next season, three clubs are locked in a desperate struggle to avoid the single 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 reprieve. However, their final fixture sees them travel to face Lille, a formidable challenge. Paradoxically, current playoff occupant Nice appears to be in the strongest position for survival. The Niçois footballers are hosting Metz, the league’s bottom team, who haven’t secured a victory since November. Le Havre faces a tough away match against Lorient (9th), a consistently solid team. The Normans could find themselves in the playoff spot if their two direct rivals for survival win, continuing a prolonged slide; Le Havre has not won a match since early February, when they beat Strasbourg.