The Principality club only needed a small point in the last two days to secure its second place in the standings, synonymous with direct qualification for the next Champions League. The Monegasques finished the job this Sunday, winning in Montpellier (0-2). Faced with an MHSC already saved and deprived of Savanier (suspended), Ben Yedder’s teammates generally controlled the meeting, and finally accelerated after the break, despite Embolo’s injury exit during the break. The young Ouattara opened the scoring with a beautiful cross rebound (52nd), then Fofana took charge of ensuring his team’s victory with a perfectly executed counterattack (65th). Official runner-up of PSG, with six points ahead of the Brest-Lille duo, Monaco was able to achieve its objective, at the end of an irregular but ultimately successful season.
Also read: Ligue 1: the multiplex film
Two days after Brest’s draw against Reims (1-1), Lille had a golden opportunity to get on the podium on the evening of this 33rd day. Losc held on, despite a very laborious second half. Initially, the Mastiffs took no time to break away, on the pitch of a FC Nantes still as feverish and worrying at La Beaujoire. David quickly confirmed his team’s superiority by scoring a double in just three minutes (8th, 11th). Overwhelmed, the Canaries finally got back on track after the break. The reduction in the gap signed by Abline (54th) completely cut off the momentum of the northern club, unrecognizable. But ultimately victorious by a short header. Ahead of Brest with the benefit of goal difference (18 against 16), Lille will try to secure its place on the podium next weekend against Nice. A final match which will be played without Chevalier, injured in the left knee at the end of the match.
Three days after their defeat in the Europa League against Atalanta (3-0), OM found a smile again, winning against Lorient (3-1). As is often the case, Jean-Louis Gasset’s men started timidly, before making the difference at the end of the first period. The opening score from the inevitable Aubameyang (36th) then the opportunistic goal from Gigot (41st) put OM in a good position, even if Mendy was able to revive the Merlus, taking advantage of a blunder from Mbemba (43rd). ). Manhandled behind, the Marseillais finally regained their distance on the scoreboard, with a penalty obtained by Moumbagna and transformed by Aubameyang (54th). Logical winners, the Phocaeans can still believe in Europe. Eighth in the standings, they will automatically qualify for a continental competition if they win their last two matches.
This is one of the other formalizations of this evening. Clermont, stuck in last place in the ranking since the 16th day, is mathematically relegated to Ligue 2, three years after discovering the elite. The Auvergne club dashed its tiny hopes of remaining alive by losing to Lyon (0-1). Mangala, well served by Cherki, scored the only goal of this match at the start of the second half (53rd), in favor of an OL who were efficient if not brilliant. Pierre Sage deliberately chose to do without several starters potentially suspended for the Coupe de France final in the event of a yellow card (Lacazette, Benrahma, Nuamah, Tolisso, Maitland-Niles). A risky option, but profitable. The third consecutive victory for Gones, seventh in the ranking.
The party was ruined. For the presentation of the Ligue 1 trophy, and for Kylian Mbappé’s last match at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain was surprised by Toulouse FC this Sunday evening (1-3). The Parisians nevertheless entered the match well, opening the score with the inevitable “KM7” in the 8th minute of play. But the Violets, who were playing without pressure, quickly came back thanks to a clever left-footed strike from Thijs Dallinga (13th)…Before taking the advantage, in the second half on a little masterpiece from Gnantin Gboho (68th). At the end of the match, while Luis Enrique’s players pushed to get the equalizer, Toulouse increased the score through Frank Magri, left alone in the penalty area (90th 4). A disappointing defeat for PSG, a few days after their elimination in the Champions League. And a prestigious victory for the TFC.
RC Lens did not come close to achieving a big blow in the race for Europe (1-1). Dominated by an incisive Stade Rennes, the Sang et Or opened the scoring shortly after the break following a missed header from Arhur Theate which Angelo Fulgini took full advantage of in the penalty area (48th). By leading, the Lensois were getting closer (provisionally?) to fifth place, qualifying for the Europa League. They also maintained their lead over their pursuers. But the Rouge et Noir, who could still hope to finish European, did not give up and snatched the equalizer at the end of the match through Ibrahim Salah, well served by Arnaud Kalimuendo (82nd). A draw that doesn’t help anyone.
FC Metz can blame themselves. While he was leading the score – and thus making a great effort in the race to maintain – after a magnificent left-footed goal from Georges Mikautadze, the Grenats were overthrown by RC Strasbourg Alsace (2-1). Emanuel Emegha first equalized, perfectly served by Kevin Gameiro who was playing his last match at Meinau (89th). Then, almost immediately, Andrey Santos took advantage of an error by the Metz defense to offer victory to his team (90th 1). With this defeat, FC Metz remains in a barrier position…but remains (a little) under the threat of FC Lorient.
