Matchday 33: Five things to watch in Ligue 1 this weekend

With just two matchdays remaining in the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, the stakes could hardly be higher across France. The title race, the fight for Europe and the battle to avoid relegation are all still alive heading into a dramatic weekend. Here are five key storylines to follow.

1. Will PSG be crowned champions before kicking a ball?

Paris Saint-Germain could officially wrap up the Ligue 1 title this weekend — but they may not even need to win to do it. Luis Enrique’s side currently sit six points clear of Lens with two games remaining, but superior goal difference means PSG simply need to better Lens’ result across the weekend.

That puts the pressure squarely on Lens when they host Nantes on Friday night. Pierre Sage’s side have admirably kept the title race alive, but recent draws against Nice and Strasbourg have left them relying on a collapse from the Parisians. PSG will then welcome Brest to the Parc des Princes on Sunday knowing exactly what is required.

The irony is that Lens and PSG still have their rearranged head-to-head clash to come next week. If Lens fail to beat Nantes, however, that blockbuster fixture may arrive with the title already decided.

2. Can Nantes pull off another great escape?

Nantes looked doomed only a few weeks ago, but their stunning 3-0 win over Marseille last weekend has given them a flicker of hope. Vahid Halilhodzic finally picked up his first victory since returning for a second spell in charge, and although Les Canaris remain in 17th place, survival is still mathematically possible.

The task ahead remains enormous. Nantes realistically need to win their final two matches and hope Auxerre stumble. Anything less than victory at Bollaert on Friday could send them down automatically.

There is also a fascinating emotional layer to this game. Lens are chasing a title dream, Nantes are fighting for survival, and both sides enter under immense pressure. With Ignatius Ganago, Matthis Abline and Remy Cabella all impressing against OM, Nantes suddenly look capable of causing another upset.

3. Marseille’s European hopes hanging by a thread

A few months ago, Marseille looked well placed to secure another Champions League qualification. Now, Habib Beye’s side are in real danger of missing Europe entirely.

OM head to Le Havre on Sunday sitting seventh after taking just one win from their last six Ligue 1 matches. Defeat against Nantes last weekend exposed the fragility that has plagued Marseille throughout the spring, while injuries to Nayef Aguerd, Geoffrey Kondogbia and possibly Geronimo Rulli further complicate matters.

The fixture itself is far from straightforward. Didier Digard’s Le Havre are unbeaten in five straight matches and have quietly built momentum at exactly the right time to move clear of danger. Marseille may boast an excellent recent record in this fixture, but current form points in the opposite direction.

Should Rennes and Monaco both win again this weekend, OM could officially fall out of the European race before the final day.

4. Monaco vs Lille could decide the Champions League race

The biggest match in the battle for Europe comes at Stade Louis II, where Monaco host Lille in what feels like a genuine six-pointer.

Lille currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot, but Monaco have closed the gap to four points after last weekend’s comeback victory over Metz. A home win would completely reopen the race heading into the final day.

There is also an intriguing contrast in styles and momentum. Monaco have been excellent at home under Sebastien Pocognoli, unbeaten in six league matches in the Principality, while Lille arrive with five away wins in a row. Bruno Genesio’s side have become one of the division’s most efficient travelling teams during the run-in.

With Marseille, Rennes and Lyon all lurking close behind, any dropped points here could prove hugely damaging.

5. Rennes still dreaming of the Champions League

Despite their 4-2 defeat against Lyon last weekend, Rennes are still very much alive in the race for Europe’s elite competition. Franck Haise’s side welcome Paris FC knowing there is no margin for error.

The return of Moussa Al-Tamari is a major boost, while the final home match of the season also carries extra significance for Brice Samba, who will miss the final day through suspension. Rennes have been inconsistent this season, but they remain one of the most talented attacking sides in the division and will expect to beat a Paris FC side with little left to play for.

Should Monaco defeat Lille, Rennes could suddenly find themselves right back in the Champions League conversation entering the final weekend.