PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain has won its 14th Ligue 1 title, with all eyes in France on who will earn automatic qualification to next season’s Champions League. Victory over 2nd place Lens.
In the final round of the domestic top league, Lille, Lyon and Rennes finished in third place, creating a three-way battle to qualify for the European tournament along with PSG and Reims. The fourth place team will qualify for the Champions League.
Third-place Lille is one point ahead of Lyon, and a close battle is expected with fifth-place Rennes with a two-point difference.
Nice and Auxerre are tied on points at the bottom of the table, with Le Havre one point ahead.
Nantes and bottom Metz were relegated. The teams that finished 16th (Auxerre, Nice and Le Havre) will have to survive a difficult promotion/relegation play-off against the third-placed team from Ligue 2.
All matches will be played on Sunday.
major matches
There is a strong bond between Lille and Nice fans and a home win for Lille against Auxerre could be a big boon for Nice.
Nice are favorites to beat Metz at home, but Rennes have a difficult away game against Marseille, and a win would move them into fifth place on goal difference.
Marseille coach Habib Bey He was Rennes’ manager when they beat Marseille on the opening day of the season. As the situation worsens, he may have to win against his former club to keep his job chaotic season To Marseille.
Lyon also have a difficult match at home against Lens, but Lens coach Pierre Sarge may rest key players ahead of the match. french cup final Match against Nice on May 22nd.
PSG will play away to Paris FC in Round 3 capital derby of the season. PSG won the league match, but lost in the French Cup by Paris FC in January.
Featured players
Marseille striker Mason Greenwood will be hoping to end his season on a successful note after ending a barren spell in front of goal with a penalty last weekend.
The same goes for Rennes striker Esteban Leport, who is the league’s top scorer. He has scored 20 goals and could surpass Greenwood and Ousmane Dembele’s record of 21 last season.
Lyon are hoping for a farewell performance from the Brazilian forward endrikplayed the final game of his loan spell from Real Madrid, scoring 8 goals in 20 games overall.
Activity suspended
PSG will be without right-back Achraf Hakimi, who is still recovering. thigh injury.
Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba and Paris FC defender Mustapha Mbouu are both suspended.
off the field
Qualifying for the Champions League is crucial for Lyon, who remain in debt. narrowly avoided relegation Last summer, they were promoted to the second division for financial reasons.
The club’s owner, Eagle Football Group (EFG), announced a net loss of 186.5 million euros ($218.3 million) for the first half of the season. This is despite the club’s total wages being cut by 40%, with player turnover, including rising stars, amounting to €45.3 million. Rayan Cherki To Manchester City.
EFG said its “financial situation remains critical.” “Due to legacy exposures, write-downs of receivables from related parties, and the urgent need to secure financing and restructuring solutions.”
Last July, Michelle Kangbecame president After the resignation of John Texter. Textor becomes president of Lyon 4 years ago After long-time incumbent Jean-Michel Aulas was sold to Eagle Football Holdings.
The combination of Champions League revenue and new buyers will be paramount to offsetting further financial losses.
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