Nantes’ victory against Angers, on the last day of Ligue 1 on Saturday, condemned Auxerre, beaten by Lens, to Ligue 2. In the race for Europe, Rennes snatched 4th place, qualifying for the Europa League , in Lille, who finished 5th.
The last Ligue 1 round, Saturday June 3, delivered the final lessons for the 2022-2023 season. The ten games of the 38th day took place at the same time and if we already knew the champion – Paris Saint-Germain – and three of the four relegated – Angers, Ajaccio and Troyes – there was still suspense on the identity of the qualifiers for the next Europa League and Europa League conference, and on that of the last club which will play in Ligue 2 next season.
After having trembled for a long time at the end of the season, Nantes ensured its maintenance by winning against Angers (1-0). A success that condemns Auxerre, beaten at home by Lens (3-1) which will return to Ligue 2 a year after its rise in the elite. By winning his match in Brest (2-1), Rennes stole 4th place, qualifying for the group stage of the Europa League, in Lille, forced to a draw at Troyes (1-1), and who will be content with 5th place and Europa League conference play-offs. For his part, Kylian Mbappé retains his title of top scorer of the season, he who scored from the penalty spot against Clermont with PSG, beaten at the Parc des Princes by the Auvergnats (2-3).
The fight to maintain: Nantes saved, Auxerre condemned
Nantes supporters can breathe. In great difficulty in recent weeks, after experiencing the European Cup and a new Coupe de France final, Nantes approached this 38th and last day in 17th place and fear in the stomach. But the Nantes club will indeed play an eleventh consecutive season in Ligue 1. By winning against Angers (1-0) at home thanks to the goal of Ignatius Ganago, the Canaries finish 16th and first non-relegation.
At the same time, Auxerre sank at home. AJA knew its difficult schedule, with the reception of Lens, 2nd and in great shape. The Auxerrois quickly understood that they would be doomed to return to Ligue 2, a year after their accession to the top flight, when the Sang et Or quickly scored through Alexis Claude-Maurice. Finally beaten, the Auxerrois (1-3) will play at the lower level next season, like Troyes, Ajaccio and Angers, already relegated before this last day.
The race for Europe: Rennes passes Lille on the gong
Lille had a bad evening in Troyes. The Mastiffs occupied 4th place, directly qualifying for the group stage of the Europa League, before this last day. They finally finished 5th and will play in the Europa League conference play-offs. Blame it on this failed match at the Aube stadium against ESTAC. The Lille could not do better than a draw (1-1), after seeing the video assistance to the arbitration deny them two goals and a penalty.
Rennes took full advantage of this, winning at Brest (2-1) thanks to a double from Benjamin Bourigeaud. Like last year, the Bretons finished 4th in the championship and will compete in the C3. Apart from LOSC and Stade Rennais, AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais could also hope to finish in the qualifying places for a European Cup. But both teams completely missed their last game.
The Monegasques had sunk in recent weeks after a long fight for the podium. They will have to settle for 6th place after a defeat at the Louis-II stadium against Toulouse (1-2). For its part, OL paled in Nice. Led by three goals at the half-hour mark, with in particular a huge blunder from Jérôme Boateng who scored an own goal on a harmless action, the Lyonnais only reduced the score but lost (1-3 ).
The top scorer: the five following Mbappé
Paris Saint-Germain had a sad last night at the Parc des Princes, with a home defeat against Clermont (2-3). But the Parisian supporters will be able to console themselves as best they can, with the title of top scorer of Kylian Mbappé. The latter scored PSG’s second goal from the penalty spot, his 29th this season. That’s two more than Alexandre Lacazette, who has remained silent in Nice after threatening Mbappé in recent weeks with strong performances.
Lille’s Jonathan David (24 goals) finished third in this honorary ranking. Top scorer for the fifth consecutive year, Mbappé is the second player in Ligue 1 history to achieve this feat, after Jean-Pierre Papin between 1987 and 1992.”This is for the story“, reacted Mbappé to the microphone of Canal + after the match of Paris against Clermont.
Farewells: Messi, Ramos and Tudor miss their exit
They played their last match with PSG on Saturday. Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos bid farewell to the public at the Parc des Princes, who welcomed the Argentine world champion with whistles, as during the match against Ajaccio. On the lawn, the Pulga did not have a great game, like his team. Sergio Ramos scored his team’s first goal with a header.
But the Spanish defender was at fault on several actions and in particular on a goal from Clermontois Grejohn Kyei. The Parisian champions bowed but especially had a thought for Sergio Rico, the goalkeeper seriously injured in a riding accident. The players thus wore flocked jerseys in the name of the Spaniard. “The most important was the tribute to Sergio. We could have lost 22-0, it wouldn’t have changed anything. We’re all affected, it’s something serious“, reacted Mbappé after the match.
Igor Tudor also played his last match, with Olympique de Marseille on his side. The exit of the Croatian coach will not be remembered. OM lost in Ajaccio (0-1), while scuffles took place between supporters of the two teams before the match. Long in the race for second place, Marseille finally finished ten points behind Lens and will have to go through two qualifying rounds to compete in the C1, with a new coach.