Ligue 1 McDonald’s returns: 5 opening weekend storylines to watch
Curtain-raiser: Stade Rennais vs Olympique de Marseille
An intriguing contest awaits at Roahzon Park for Ligue 1 McDonald's opening match of the season as Olympique de Marseille head into their second season under Roberto De Zerbi following a raft of Summer signings. "We've had very good preparation, with no injuries and some competitive friendly matches (three wins and three draws). Everything is going well, but we still have zero points," said the Italian during his pre-match press conference.
There will already be a reunion for former Marseille pair Quentin Merlin and Valentin Rongier on Friday evening. With a side managed by former OM defender Habib Beye - the opening match has a distinct Phocéen flavour to it. "I was moved when he left and I saw him with a Rennes shirt," Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi said on Rongier during his pre-match press conference. "For me, OM is synonymous with him. I was with him for six years, so it feels strange - tomorrow there won't be any gifts for him, he knows that."
STADE RENNAIS vs OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE
Friday, 15th August, 20:45 CET
Roahzon Park, Rennes
Watch live on Ligue1+ in the UK, follow on Ligue1.com
PSG's title defence starts at Nantes
After clinching the UEFA Super Cup during the week, it's time for Luis Enrique's men to get back to Ligue 1 McDonald's action this weekend and start their title defence at Stade de la Beaujoire. The Champions come off the back of a busy schedule over the summer with the FIFA Club World Cup, but have already been targeting an ambitious 2025-2026 season both domestically and on the European scene.
FC NANTES vs PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sunday 7th August, 20:45 CET
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Watch live on Ligue1+ in the UK and follow on Ligue1.com
Paris FC make Ligue 1 McDonald's return vs Angers
A second Parisian side is about to make their return to the top flight for the first time since the 1989-1990, as Paris FC travel to Stade Raymond Kopa and Angers to make their first appearance as a Ligue 1 McDonald's side for the 2025-2026 season. It will be the opportunity to see the likes of Jean-Phillipe Krasso, Maxime Lopez, Illan Kebbal all make their returns to the top tier, and a debut for star summer signing Moses Simon from FC Nantes.
ANGERS SCO vs PARIS FC
Sunday 17th August, 17:15 CET
Stade Raymond Kopa
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A Grand Est Derby
A first game of the season back in Ligue 1 McDonald's for Metz, and it will mark the return of the Grand Est Derby against Strasbourg on Sunday afternoon. The Lorraine side face off against the Alsace outfit at Stade Saint-Symphorien, with regional bragging rights already on the line on the first day of the season. In this rivalry, Metz are currently on top with 50 wins compared to Strasbourg's 39 - with 35 draws between the two sides.
FC METZ vs RACING CLUB DE STRASBOURG ALSACE
Sunday 17th August, 17:15 CET
Stade Saint-Symphorien
Watch live on Ligue1+ in the UK and follow on Ligue1.com
Pierre Sage returns… against former side Lyon
"I know I am eagerly awaited. I can't say that it's all behind me because it's part of my life, part of who I am today," revealed Pierre Sage at his pre-match press conference. The Frenchman makes his return as a Ligue 1 McDonald's coach with Racing Club de Lens on Saturday, and it will immediately be against his former side Olympique Lyonnais.
From November 30, 2023, to January 27, 2025, Pierre Sage secured 33 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses in 56 matches on the bench of Les Gones before he was replaced by current manager Paulo Fonseca.
RACING CLUB DE LENS vs OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS
Saturday 16th August, 17:00 CET
Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens
Watch live on Ligue1+ in the UK and follow on Ligue1.com
READ MORE:
>>25/26 Preview #17: RC Strasbourg
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