Preview: Relegation Stakes

AS Saint-Étienne vs. Stade de Reims

Montpellier Hérault SC are the only team to be officially relegated this season, and after that, the rest is yet to be determined. AS Saint-Étienne are in 17th place (27 points) and occupying the other direct relegation spot to Ligue 2 BKT. Les Verts will face Stade de Reims on Saturday and Toulouse FC on the final matchday, two must-win games for them.

ASSE need Le Havre to lose or draw to give themselves a chance to avoid direct relegation heading into the final matchday. If Le Havre win while FC Nantes, Angers SCO, and Reims secure at least one point, it means Saint-Étienne will be returning to Ligue 2 BKT for the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, Reims (33 points), Angers (33 points), and Nantes (32 points) all control their destiny as winning their final two matches keeps them from dropping to the playoff relegation spot. Samba Diawara and his team will look to add to Les Verts' misfortunes.

Le Havre AC vs. Olympique de Marseille

Le Havre are currently in 16th place (31 points), which is the relegation playoff spot. Didier Digard and his team will face Olympique de Marseille on Saturday and next week against RC Strasbourg. A win over OM would mean they avoid direct relegation.

If Le Havre win while Nantes, Angers, and Reims secure at least one point, it means Saint-Étienne will be returning to Ligue 2 BKT for the 2025-26 season. Still, Le Club Doyen cannot afford to lose on Sunday and next week if they are to finish in the playoff relegation spot to give themselves a chance to stay in Ligue 1 McDonald's and avoid going straight to Ligue 2 BKT.

FC Nantes vs. AJ Auxerre

Nantes are another team that controls their destiny as a win puts them close to avoiding the playoff relegation spot. Antoine Kombouaré and his team are riding a four-match winless streak, so if they want to avoid playing a two-leg tie to remain in Ligue 1 McDonald's, they have to snap this skid. AJA will be a challenging opponent for Nantes as they have won three of their last six matches.

Angers SCO vs. RC Strasbourg

Angers will have a challenging opposition to try and secure the two wins they need. Strasbourg are fighting for a UEFA Champions League spot for next season, so the three points are a must for them too. Alexandre Dujeux and his team have won two of their last four matches, so they have positive momentum in a time where wins are a necessity.

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>>180 minutes to survive: the final sprint in the Ligue 1 McDonald's relegation battle