Chasing the Champions League: A closer look at the race for Europe
After big wins by Lille and Monaco over fellow rivals for the top four, the race for the Champions League in Ligue 1 McDonald's looks set to come to a thrilling conclusion after the international break. Here's our look at the state of play after Matchday 27:
Olympique de Marseille: 3rd place, 49 points
After a gutting last-minute winner by Olivier Giroud for Lille this weekend which denied l'OM the chance to open a five point lead on Lyon in fourth, things are nervy indeed for Habib Beye's side. Their three-match winning streak in the league snapped, they'll not only have to face the league's form side in Monaco directly after the break, but will also square off against Nantes and Le Havre on Matchdays 32 & 33. If the two relegation-threatened sides aren't safe at that point, they'll only be too eager to take points against a more vaunted opponent.
Key fixtures: at Monaco, April 5; vs. Rennes, May 16
Opta odds: CL: 56.66%, EL 11.55%, UECL 6.09%
Olympique lyonnais: 4th place, 47 points
Like Marseille, Lyon stumbled badly against a direct rival this weekend, losing 2-1 against Monaco at home. Les Gones were always going to be leggy after playing most of the second leg of their Europa League match with ten men, but this side looks shorn of confidence and a far cry from the team that won thirteen matches in a row in all competitions earlier this season. Lyon have no more matches left against direct rivals for their potential place in Europe, but will surely find matches against top sides Lens and PSG challenging.
Key fixtures: at PSG, April 19; vs. Rennes, May 3; vs. Lens, May 16
Opta odds: CL: 12.43%, EL 25.92%, UECL 19.99%
Giroud completes Lille’s incredible comeback against Marseille 🥶 pic.twitter.com/7uXwszMk7n
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 22, 2026
LOSC Lille: 5th place, 47 points
One of the two sides who will be happiest with the weekend's results, Les Dogues impressed in shaking off their own elimination from Europe at the hands of Aston Villa to stun Marseille at the Vélodrôme. With only Ligue 1 McDonald's to focus on, Bruno Génésio's veteran side will be less stretched and the likes of Sunday's hero, Olivier Giroud, Thomas Meunier and Benjamin André could be that much more effective having to play just once a week. Lille have arguably the most favorable run-in of these six sides as well, but their trip to Monaco on the penultimate matchday looms large indeed.
Key fixtures: vs Lens, April 4; at Monaco, May 9
Opta odds: CL: 14.68%, EL 23.43%, UECL 21.74%
7 GOALS IN 7 GAMES FOR BALOGUN 🇺🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/XUAyhlUvba
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 22, 2026
AS Monaco: 6th place, 46 points
No team in Europe is in better form than Sébastien Pocognoli's Monégasques; with wins in each of their last six in Ligue 1 McDonald's, the Principality side have shaken their previous malaise. More importantly, they also have key players coming back to the side in the form of veterans Eric Dier and Lucas Hradecky. Like Lille, they'll surely have the second weekend of May circled on their calendars, but a home match against rivals Marseille directly after the break will be their immediate concern.
Key fixtures: vs Marseille, April 5; vs Lille, May 9
Opta odds: CL: 14.35%, EL 23.30%, UECL 21.54%
Stade Rennais: 7th place, 44 points
The Bretons missed a golden opportunity to steal a march on the sides above them this weekend, but could only muster a scoreless draw against bottom side Metz at home. Grenats goalkeeper Pape Sy was impressive indeed, but Franck Haise's side simply need to show more if they're to push the sides above them for a place in the top four. They'll look forward to direct confrontations against Lyon and Marseille in May, but will have to be sharper to stay in touching distance in the meantime.
Key fixtures: at Lyon, May 3; at Marseille, May 16
Opta odds: CL: 1.97%, EL 11.40%, UECL 19.98%
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