While Paris Saint-Germain, crowned French champions for the fourteenth time in their history earlier this week, prepares to face Paris FC in a derby at Jean-Bouin, the 34th Ligue 1 matchday on Sunday, May 17, promises significant drama. Numerous uncertainties persist, impacting both the coveted European qualification positions and the critical relegation playoff spot. We outline the crucial stakes defining this final day of the championship.

Lille holds the key to champions league destiny

Behind the already confirmed spots of Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens, three clubs remain locked in a battle for the third and final direct qualification place in the Champions League: Lille (3rd, 61 points), Lyon (4th, 60 points), and Rennes (5th, 59 points).

Undefeated since February 1st, a remarkable streak of thirteen matches, Lille’s footballers are the sole masters of their own destiny for this crucial third spot. If LOSC secures a victory against relegation playoff contender Auxerre, they will be uncatchable. The northern club is already guaranteed at least fifth place in Ligue 1, which secures a Europa League berth. Meanwhile, Lyon’s players are hoping for a Lille slip-up as they host Lens. Should they triumph against the Sang et Or, who will likely be focused on their Coupe de France final against Nice next week, Lyon could at minimum secure a Champions League preliminary round.

Marseille versus Rennes: a high-stakes encounter

The pivotal clash at the Vélodrome between Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennais could prove costly for the losing side. If Stade Rennais avoids defeat, they are guaranteed a place in the Europa League, or potentially better with a victory. However, a loss could relegate them to the significantly less prestigious – and lucrative – Europa Conference League. Notably, Franck Haise’s squad has recently suffered two defeats against European qualification rivals (Lille, 2-1, and Lyon, 4-2). For Olympique Marseille coach Habib Beye, who is facing the club that dismissed him in February, the pressure is even more intense.

Following a season filled with both sporting and off-field twists, Marseille, who secured an unconvincing win against Le Havre after a heavy defeat in Nantes, must aim higher than their current sixth position. However, a setback could see Marseille lose everything: Monaco, sitting seventh and just two points behind Olympique Marseille, could overtake the Olympiens and push them out of European contention if they defeat Strasbourg.

The relegation playoff: Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice?

While Metz and Nantes have already been relegated to Ligue 2 for next season, three clubs are fiercely battling to avoid the relegation playoff spot: Le Havre (14th, 32 points), Auxerre (15th, 31 points), and Nice (16th, 31 points).

Despite an early goal from Sofiane Diop (2-1), Auxerre secured a crucial victory against Nice last week, earning themselves a temporary reprieve. However, Auxerre faces the unfortunate task of traveling to Lille for their final match. Paradoxically, Nice, currently occupying the playoff spot, appears well-positioned to secure their safety. The Niçois footballers are set to host Metz, the league’s bottom team, who have not won a match since November. Le Havre faces an away match against a consistently strong Lorient (9th). The Normans could find themselves in the playoff spot if their two direct competitors for survival win, continuing a long period of decline for Le Havre, who haven’t won since early February against Strasbourg.