Le Classique, Derby du Nord, & a Breton derby: 5 stories to watch in Ligue 1 this weekend

Ligue 1 McDonald's comes back with a bang this weekend. There's not only a Classique clash between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to, but both a Breton Derby and the heated Derby du Nord. Time to turn up the heat this weekend on the fifth Matchday this weekend.

An early season Classique clash

The season is not even fully in September and Olympique de Marseille face Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Vélodrome on Sunday evening in the first Le Classique clash of the season. A clash that traces the lines of regional and sporting rivalry has become one of the biggest matches of the season, as Roberto De Zerbi's men are hoping to go up against a Luis Enrique outfit that have dominated on the domestic and European stage.

"We started our journey only a year ago," said De Zerbi during his pre-match press conference. "There are teams like Arsenal, PSG, and Manchester City who have needed time to develop and go on their journeys."

Marseille were encouraged during their Champions League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu during the week, despite a 2-1 loss to the Spanish giants. Meanwhile PSG were in outstanding form against Atalanta, dismantling the Italian outfit 4-0 as Les Parisiens began their Champions League defence with a win.

"We're facing one of the best versions of PSG in their history," added OM goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, ahead of the game. "Without a doubt it will be a different game to the last Vélodrome game last year. It’s a special match that practically all of France will be watching.”

Olympique de Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain

Sunday 21st Septmber, 20:45
Stade Vélodrome

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Le Derby du Nord - Lille vs Lens

There will be another heated clash as Northern rivals Lille OSC face Racing Club de Lens on Saturday evening. It's another rivalry that has been born out of regional and historical division lines down the years. This time it will be Les Dogues who could keep up the pace with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table - whilst the Sang & Or are aiming to bounce back from a tough defeat to the capital club during their previous outing at the Parc des Princes last weekend (2-0).

Lille have been leaving it late to score goals since the start of the campaign, as one of the early season entertainers this season under Bruno Génésio. Each of Lille's last four goals in Ligue 1 has come from the 90th minute onwards, the longest such run by a team since Opta has had this data (1947/48). LOSC have scored five goals in total from the 90th minute onwards (at least 2 more than any other team in the big five European leagues this season) and have picked up five points thanks to these goals, with no team gaining more in the big five European leagues in 2025-26.

Racing Club de Lens vs Lille OSC
Saturday 20th September, 21:05
Stade Boelleart Delalis, Lens

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Nantes face up city rivals Rennes

A Breton Derby? A Western Rivalry? No matter the debate, there is bad blood between these two neighboring clubs over the years. And this season will have a particular flavour, as Stade Rennais will likely line up with former Nantes captains Quentin Merlin and Valentin Rongier - both signed from Olympique de Marseille this summer. Former Nantes man Ludovic Blas should also be involved, but the Frenchman has never scored against his former side whenever he has faced them.

On the other side, Mostafa Mohamed could be playing in his 100th Ligue 1 McDonald's game, having scored 22 goals for Nantes in the top-flight, at least six more than any other player since his debut in 2022/23. Les Canaris are hoping to kick on this season under new boss Luís Castro having only gained three points out of their opening four matches this season.

FC Nantes vs Stade Rennais
Saturday 20th September, 17:00
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

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Paris FC host Strasbourg

Whilst Paris Saint-Germain are involved in their Classique clash against OM, their neighbors will be hosting Strasbourg at Stade Jean Bouin on Sunday afternoon. It will only be Les Parisiens' second match in their new home ground since moving from Stade Charléty after promotion.

Joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 McDonald's (3 goals, like 4 other players), Ilan Kebbal also has the most shots on target in the top-flight in 2025/26 (6) - the Algerian will be looking to impose himself against a difficult Strasbourg side. Strasbourg are the team that has won the largest share of matches in which they did not have most of the possession in Ligue 1 since the start of last season (53% – 9/17). Paris FC – with fewer games played over that period – have a 66% success rate in possession (2/3), being only behind Paris SG (79%).

Paris FC vs Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace
Sunday 21st September, 15:00
Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris

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