Matchday 32: 5 things to watch in Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend

As Matchday 32 arrives, we have arrived at 'crunch time' in Ligue 1 McDonald's. There are several matches this weekend that will have huge ramifications at the top and the bottom of the table. We look at some of the most important narratives heading into the gameweek.

A dress rehearsal for Nice and Lens

Nice and Lens will meet at the Stade de France in May in a Coupe de France final. Both will be desperate to end their trophy droughts, but this weekend's game between the pair, this time in Ligue 1 McDonald's isn't just a dress rehearsal.

There is a lot on the line for both sides. Les Sang et Or saw their hopes of winning the Ligue 1 McDonald's title dealt a blow last weekend when they drew 3-3 against Brest. Currently six points back with four games to go, they will be desperate to close the gap to current leaders PSG, whom they must still face.

WAHI’S BRACE SENDS NICE TO THE COUPE DE FRANCE FINAL 🦅⏭️ pic.twitter.com/Eqcz43U2Lv
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 22, 2026

There is plenty on the line for Le Gym, too. Their draw against Marseille over the weekend increased their gap to Auxerre, who occupy the relegation playoff spot, to five points. With three games remaining, Nice must still face L'AJA , but a positive result at the Allianz Riviera could mathematically secure their safety, should results elsewhere also go their way.

Auxerre look to apply the pressure

Auxerre, meanwhile, are looking to apply the pressure. They are five points back but know that they will welcome Nice to the Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps before the end of the campaign.

This weekend, they face an Angers side that lost to Les Parisiens (3-0) last weekend and have nothing to play for during this run-in. Win and, if Nice fail to pick up a point(s) against Lens, and next weekend, they could escape from the relegation play-off spot.

Nantes need a repeat against OM

Nantes' 2-0 win over Marseille at the Vélodrome back in January was a big shock. The club have won just once since (and have won just four games in Ligue 1 McDonald's all season) and, as a result, could be relegated in the event of a bad result and other results elsewhere going against them.

Nantes claim an away win in Marseille! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cEcru8QoA4
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 4, 2026

Les Canaris are desperate. Vahid Halilhodzic has sounded pessimistic about Nantes' chances of avoiding relegation to Ligue 2 BKT, but the players say that they will still believe, so long as it is mathematically possible. If it is to remain possible, they may need a repeat of their miraculous result at the Vél earlier this season.

Monaco look to end winless run

Monaco's European charge has stalled. After nine wins in a row, they have now failed to win any of their last three in Ligue 1 McDonald's. It makes qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League a tall order.

Having beaten the likes of PSG, Lyon, and OM during that run, they have struggled against Paris FC, Auxerre, and Toulouse, picking up just two points from a possible nine. They will need a result against Metz on Saturday if they are to remain in contention. A defeat for Benoit Tavenot's men, meanwhile, will confirm their relegation.

Can Lepaul extend his lead?

There is now an outstanding favourite to finish the Ligue 1 McDonald's season as the Top Scoreur. That favourite goes by the name of Esteban Lepaul, who scored his 18th goal of the season during last weekend's slender 2-1 win over Nantes.

ESTÉBAN LEPAUL, LIGUE 1’S TOP SCORER! 😎🔥 pic.twitter.com/p7RnNZVyah
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 26, 2026

He is two goals ahead of Joaquin Panichelli, who will not play again this season, and three ahead of Mason Greenwood. The former Angers striker will look to build the gap against Lyon in the headline fixture of this weekend's action.

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