The relegation battle heats up!
With just two rounds left to play for most of the sides in Ligue 1 McDonald's, the relegation battle is only getting more intense follow some big result this weekend. Join us as we run the rule over who has the inside track on staying up, and who might be nervous come next Sunday.
Auxerre
With a timely win against Angers yesterday, the Burgundians put their ability to avoid the drop in their own hands for the first time in a long while. Now just three points back of OGC Nice (and with a better goal difference), Christophe Pélissier's side welcome Les Aiglons to the Stade Abbé-Deschamps this weekend, and with Elye Wahi still a doubt after missing his side's draw against Lens on Saturday, they'll face a side potentially missing their key man in attack. Meanwhile, their own forward line sprang to life, particularly the previously moribund Sékou Mara, who netted a brace this weekend. A bit more of that, and Pélissier can roll the dice ahead of his side's far more tricky final match, away to Lille.
Remaining fixtures: vs Nice, at Lille
Nantes
While Les Canaris are unable to reach the automatic safety positions, their impressive 3-0 win over Marseille this weekend has left them still in with a shout to reach the playoffs, should they win each of their remaining two matches and Auxerre lose both of theirs. In truth, the Breton side are likely down, but they've added just the right amount of spice to the rest of their calendar, making for some nerves for the Burgundians.
Remaining fixtures: at Lens, vs Toulouse
Abline with an unreal solo goal 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/d1ObdFJ0K3
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 3, 2026
Nice
Despite their aforementioned absences (which also included Jonathan Clauss), Claude Puel's side battled hard against Lens to earn a point at the Allianz Riviera in a one-all draw. That grit and determination has also helped them reach the final of the Coupe de France, including a dramatic win from two goals down against Montpellier, but with no league win in six, they'll be looking nervously at the league's other matches should they lose on Sunday, even if their own match -- at home to already-relegated Metz -- hardly seems the toughest test.
Remaining fixtures: at Auxerre, vs Metz
Le Havre
Le Club Doyenne have massively overachieved this season, given their financial limitations, there's little doubting that. Manager Didier Digard's side are combative and hard-working, and that resilience has them unbeaten in five matches. Those five matches, however, have all been draws, and with Auxerre's win on Sunday, there's still a small chance that they could be sucked into the playoff position, should the Burgundians be able to beat Nice. However, with their final day opponent, Lorient, assured of safety, one would bet on the Normandy side beating the drop -- even their home match against Marseille this weekend could be an opportunity to secure safety given l'OM's recent struggles.
Remaining fixtures: vs Marseille, at Lorient
