The Olympique de Marseille (OM) faces Stade Rennais in a decisive Ligue 1 finale, where victory could secure a Ligue Europa Conference berth for next season. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Marseille must win at the Stade Orange Vélodrome to leapfrog Rennes into the top five.
The Phocéens arrive at this critical juncture with mixed emotions. While their recent 3-1 win over Le Havre provided a morale boost, the performance raised concerns about defensive stability and attacking firepower—areas that have plagued the team since Roberto De Zerbi’s departure. The defensive frailties and lackluster offense have left supporters and pundits questioning whether this OM can deliver when it matters most.
Habib Beye, who managed Rennes before his dismissal in February, will return to the Vélodrome to face his former club. His tenure with the Breton side saw them secure eight wins, one draw, and just two losses in 11 Ligue 1 matches—a stark contrast to the Phocéens’ own struggles this season, with only five victories, one draw, and five defeats in the same period. Beye’s challenge is clear: prove he can outmaneuver a seasoned tactician while addressing his squad’s glaring weaknesses.
Marseille’s roster, on paper, boasts greater depth than Rennes’, yet recent results against Lorient, Nice, and Nantes (one draw and two losses) suggest otherwise. The pressure is on Beye to turn the tide and deliver a performance that silences critics and secures European football for the club.
The Vélodrome’s atmosphere promises to be electric, if not hostile. The home crowd, known for its intensity, will demand nothing short of a commanding display. A victory here would not only secure Marseille’s spot in the Ligue Europa Conference but also deny Rennes the fifth-place finish they currently hold by a three-point margin.
Head-to-head dominance
Rennes and Marseille have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1 history, with the Phocéens holding a slight edge: 50 wins to Rennes’ 34, alongside 33 draws. The Breton side has struggled to replicate their away form at the Vélodrome in recent years.
Recent encounters
- 17/05/2025: Olympique de Marseille 4-2 Stade Rennais FC
- 03/12/2023: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- 18/09/2022: Olympique de Marseille 1-1 Stade Rennais FC
- 19/09/2021: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- 10/03/2021: Olympique de Marseille 1-0 Stade Rennais FC
Predicted lineups
Olympique de Marseille (4-3-3): Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.
Stade Rennais (4-3-3): Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.
Injuries and suspensions could force changes. Marseille will be without Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, while Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir remain doubtful. Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier are also unavailable, with Brice Samba serving a suspension.
Match details
The final Ligue 1 fixture of the season kicks off at 21:00 CEST on Sunday, May 17, at the Stade Orange Vélodrome. The game will be broadcast live on Ligue 1+ 2, with Ligue 1+ also covering the full matchday multiplex.