The suspense remains intact. Apart from PSG, already crowned champion of France, many teams still have to fight to achieve their goals, Saturday May 21, during the 38th and last day of Ligue 1. As tradition dictates, all kick-offs will be given simultaneously at 9 p.m.
Monaco, Marseille and Rennes are battling at a distance to clinch second place and qualify directly for the Champions League. In addition, Strasbourg, Nice and Lens can still claim 4th and 5th places, qualifiers for the Europa League (C3) and Europa League conference (C4). On the other side of the table, it takes a miraculous scenario for Bordeaux to stay in the top flight. Here are all the issues that should animate the last day of the championship.
Champions League: Monaco must ensure, Marseille crosses its fingers
Sparkling form, goalscorer at the rendezvous, opponent within reach… All the lights are green for Monaco to retain their second place at the end of this 38th day. The Whites and Reds travel to Lens, where a victory should be enough to overtake their Marseille rival, third on equal points but with a rather unfavorable goal difference (-4 compared to ASM).
Opposed to Strasbourg at the Vélodrome, the Marseillais would therefore be well advised to succeed in an offensive festival. In the event of a Monegasque defeat, on the other hand, a draw will be enough for Jorge Sampaoli’s players to take second place again (same thing in the event of a victory against the Alsatians and a draw for Monaco).
Note that if OM and ASM find themselves in perfect equality (points and goal difference), the article 518b of Ligue 1 regulations state that “the clubs will be decided on goal difference in the matches played between them“. So OM, having won 2-0 in the first leg then lost 1-0 on the return lege in Monaco, would grab 2nd place in extremis.
European Cups: Strasbourg, Nice and Lens want to believe it
European places are hotly contested. With 65 points and 4th place, Rennes can still qualify for the Champions League thanks to their goal difference that is much higher than that of Monaco and Marseille. In the event of victory in Lille, Bruno Genesio’s players will ensure at least one place in C3 for the second consecutive season.
The drawing of RV after the defeat of Stade Rennes in Nantes (2-1) on Wednesday evening pic.twitter.com/TClrHARD2S
— Stade Rennais Online (@S_R_Online) May 13, 2022
However, a defeat in the North could lead to a simple qualification for the Europa League conference, and even a total absence of European competition for the Bretons. Strasbourg (5th in the championship, two points from Rennes) remains on the lookout and will want to surprise the Marseillais to crown their beautiful championship by playing Europe next season, a first for sixteen years.
For their part, Nice (6th, tied on points with Strasbourg) and Lens (7th, 61 points), for the time being excluded from European places, can still believe in a reversal of the situation. The Aiglons, who are going to Reims, must win by a river score to be sure of overtaking Strasbourg. The Sang et Or (against Monaco) no longer have their destiny in their hands, while having the obligation to win.
Maintenance: almost impossible mission for Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne and Metz tremble
The mass is said at 99% for Bordeaux, condemned to an immense exploit during this last day. To stay in the elite, the Girondins (20th with 28 points) must beat Brest with a shower of goals, while Metz, play-off (31 points), who face PSG, cash at the same time a large number. Saint-Etienne (19th, 31 points) will also have to lose to Nantes. The time is therefore hardly for optimism in the Southwest. At a press conference on Thursday, Bordeaux coach David Guion is already considering“apprehend” League 2.
HAS equality of points, Metz and Saint-Etienne will have to forget the fear of the void to win the place of jump-off. In the event of victory, the Messins will undoubtedly retain their place of play-off, unless the Greens crush the Canaries.
Top scorer: Mbappé or Ben Yedder?
The race for the top scorer will also be played on the wire. Barring a huge twist on Saturday, the crown will land on the head of Kylian Mbappé or Wissam Ben Yedder. The star striker of Paris Saint-Germain prances to 25 goals, one unit ahead of the Monegasque.
In this duel of “goleadores”, Mbappé seems to have the advantage. On this 38th day, the 2018 world champion and his family face Metz, 17th defense in Ligue 1. The task could prove to be a little more complicated for Ben Yedder at Bollaert. Author of a hat-trick during the 37th day against Brest (4-2), he however showed his great form.