Top Match Round-up: Champions League Hunt Heating Up in Ligue 1

While the Ligue 1 title race has already come to an end, there is still plenty to play for in France’s top tier this term, starting with a crunch tie at the top. 

Lyon vs Nice – Friday, 19.30 KO 

The race for a Champions League finish is hotting up in Ligue 1 with just two points separating three teams. Lyon, Monaco and Nice are all vying for a place in Europe’s elite competition, with Lyon currently in pole position to secure that elusive second spot. They welcome Nice on Friday night as two of the league’s three top scoring teams face off. Lyon are unbeaten at their new stadium and have taken a total of 29 points since their first league match at Parc Olympique Lyonnais back in January. 

GFC Ajaccio vs Lille – Saturday, 19.00 KO 

Lille have been rejuvenated following the appointment of Frederic Antonetti and now have an outside chance of securing a European finish. GFC Ajaccio, meanwhile, currently sit two points from safety and desperately need points in Saturday’s welcome of Lille, though boast the third worst home record in Ligue 1 this season. The visitors have won their last five league games, the current longest winning run in France’s top tier, two of which have come away from home, and could continue their good run here. 

SC Bastia vs Saint Etienne – Saturday, 19.00 KO 

SC Bastia have little to play for having secured their top-flight status, but Saint Etienne – like Lille – have an outside chance of a top-three finish in Ligue 1 this term. Les Verts secured a win on their last visit to Corsica, overcoming GFC Ajaccio, and come into this tie on the back of three consecutive wins having not conceded in the process. 

Troyes vs Reims – Saturday, 19.00 KO 

Troyes are already relegated, but will look to save face coming into the final weeks of the season. They are yet to win a home league game this term, while visitors Reims still have a chance of staving off relegation. The away side are two points above the drop zone, but have one of the worst away records in Ligue 1 this campaign, so will need a spirited showing to see off lowly Troyes. 

Monaco vs Marseille – Sunday, 20.00 

Monaco sit third in Ligue 1 on goal difference only and harbour aspirations of a Champions League return. With Lyon playing Friday, they’ll need to match or better their result to keep up with Bruno Genesio’s side. The welcome of Marseille presents them with the ideal chance to maintain their pursuit of a top-three finish, though Michel’s team have been impressive on their travels this term, taking 24 of their 40 points away from home.