With Round 34 of the Ligue 1 season finally here, there is still lots to play for on the final day of action in the French top flight. Here’s what can happen with just one match left to play in Ligue 1:
Automatic Champions League qualification
Paris Saint-Germain have already secured the title but a little further down in the table, automatic Champions League qualification is yet to be decided. Monaco have already confirmed their spot in Europe’s premier competition for next season with 64 points in second place. However, the fate of Lille and Brest is still unknown.
Les Dogues currently hold the advantage over Les Pirates as they occupy the final automatic UCL qualification spot on goal difference. Both teams are on 58 points and Lille have a greater goal difference of 2 goals. As a result, Lille need to better the result of Brest to qualify. For Les Pirates, they need to win by a greater margin of two goals more than Lille or better the result of Les Dogues. Otherwise, they will have to navigate the qualification play-offs which have been dreaded for French clubs in recent seasons.
Europa League and Conference League qualification
Nice have their place in next season’s Europa League confirmed and no matter their result against Lille, they will finish in 5th. Nevertheless, the fight is on for the final Europa League and Europa Conference League spots. Lens currently occupy what is the final Europa League spot should PSG win the Coupe de France. Lyon and Marseille behind them are also in the hunt.
If Lens better or match the result of Lyon, they should retain 6th place due to Les Sang et Or’s greater goal difference of 15. For OL, they have to better the result of Lens to move into 6th place and confirm their place in next season’s Europa League. If Lyon avoid defeat, Marseille cannot qualify for European football through the league next season and Les Gones will play Europa Conference League unless they win the Coupe de France.
Relegation
Only Clermont’s fate is sealed at the bottom of Ligue 1 with their relegation already confirmed. Lorient have the chance to make the relegation play-offs but it will take an almighty effort. Les Merlus will need to win their match against Clermont and Metz to lose by a big enough margin against PSG to make up for a swing of 7 goals.
Metz currently occupy the relegation play-off spot but can climb out of 16th position if a massive goal difference swing can be reversed. If they manage to beat PSG and Le Havre lose to Marseille, Les Grenats will need a massive stroke of luck to reverse an inferior goal difference of 11 goals.
