Matchday 34: 5 things to watch in Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend
The Ligue 1 McDonald's season concludes on Sunday, with plenty still on the line at the top and bottom of the table. We take you through the storylines to keep an eye on this weekend.
A shootout at the Vélodrome
After coming back from behind against Paris FC last weekend, Rennes go into the final weekend of the Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign with qualification for next season's Champions League still a possibility. Franck Haise's side will have to win at the Vélodrome, however, and hope that results elsewhere go their way.
There is plenty on the line for OM, too. Currently, their sixth-place standing may only be good enough for Europa Conference League qualification, depending on the result of the Coupe de France final between Lens and Nice. Beating Rennes would see them jump into fifth and ahead of the Breton club.
20 goals this season for Ligue 1’s top scorer. ❤️🔥
ESTÉBAN LEPAUL. 🇫🇷📞 pic.twitter.com/hameJco20s— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 10, 2026
It is here that the Golden Boot will be decided, too. Esteban Lepaul looks almost certain to win the trophy, having netted his 20th goal of the Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign last weekend. Mason Greenwood is, realistically, the only player who can catch him, although he is four goals adrift heading into the final day.
LOSC look to avoid Auxerre trap
For Lille, they have already done the hardest bit. A 1-0 away to Monaco last weekend, coupled with Lyon's surprise defeat to Toulouse, means that they are in the driving seat heading into the final matchday. Bruno Genesio's side are currently third, one point ahead of OL. Third place ensures direct qualification for the UCL 'League Phase'. A fourth-place finish would mean passing through the preliminary rounds.
Lille haven’t lost a Ligue 1 match in 12 games 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TZsW2nZg4u
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 10, 2026
LOSC will look to avoid that and to do so, they have what looks an easy game on paper. But Auxerre are still fighting for their lives. Granted, they are above Nice and currently outside the relegation play-off place, but Claude Puel's side face a Metz side already relegated. Auxerre will, therefore, be under pressure to better Le Gym's result and could provide a stern test for Genesio, in what could be his final game on the Lille bench.
Nice look to escape
Nice have a Coupe de France final to look forward to. They will ideally want to head to the Stade de France with their minds firmly on beating Lens. However, as was the case with Reims last season, that will not be the case if they have a relegation play-off to prepare.
Nice have slowly slid down the table and are now in the relegation play-off spot following last weekend's defeat to Auxerre. Against an already-relegated Metz, Puel will look for his first league win at the Allianz Riviera in order to escape.
Local pride on the line in Paris
There is nothing on the line when PSG and Paris FC meet for the third time this season but pride, and a lot of it. Famously, the pair's stadia are separated by mere metres. Geographically close, there is a gap on the pitch. PSG have already been crowned Ligue 1 McDonald's champions for the 14th time and the fifth in succession.
Ligue 1 2025/26 champions: Paris Saint-Germain 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DUBvU4WIfB
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 13, 2026
Paris FC, meanwhile, are the new kids on the block. They did manage to upset the odds earlier this season, however, when they knocked their neighbours out of the Coupe de France. PSG will seek revenge on Sunday night.
OL playing catch-up
Lyon lost against Le TéFéCé last weekend in a potentially damaging result. As they seek to finish third, they find their fate out of their hands on Sunday. They aren't only looking to leapfrog Lille, but they are also wary of Rennes, who are just over their shoulder and ready to pounce.
Paulo Fonseca, in his first full season at the helm at the Groupama Stadium, will be desperate to ensure UCL football for next season.
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