How things stand as the race for Champions League qualification hots up in Ligue 1
How things stand as the race for Champions League qualification hots up in Ligue 1 Ligue 1 fans have plenty to look forward to over the next few weeks, with the battle to secure UEFA Champions League qualification set to go down to the wire. Current table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain have already booked their place in next season’s competition, but the identity of the clubs that will join them is less clear. Two automatic spots in the league phase are available, while a place in the third qualifying round is also up for grabs.
With that in mind, we look at the latest standings at the top of Ligue 1, before assessing who will qualify for the Champions League alongside PSG. Ligue 1 – Latest standings Ligue 1 – The battle for a place in the Champions League Six clubs are still in with a mathematical chance of securing Champions League qualification. RC Lens Nice (A), Nantes (H), PSG (H), Lyon (A).
Lens are challenging for PSG for the Ligue 1 title and look nailed on to secure one of the Champions League qualification places. Fixtures against relegation-threatened Nice and Nantes give Lens every chance of cementing their status in the top three at the end of the season. PSG have some favourable fixtures to come against mid-table teams, so it would be surprising if they relinquished their grip on the Ligue 1 title.
However, Lens have done well to keep the title race interesting this season, and Champions League qualification would be richly deserved. Lens’ best chance of a trophy this season is likely to be the Coupe de France, where they play Nice in the final on 22 May, after the regular season ends. Olympique Lyonnais Rennes (H), Toulouse (A), Lens (H).
Lyon have a tough run-in on paper, although they will take comfort from the fact that the two tough games against top-four rivals will be played at home. The trip to Toulouse also has the potential to be problematic, although it is worth noting that they now have nothing to play for. Lyon head into the final three games level on points with Lille, but have an advantage over them after winning both their fixtures this term.
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