Ligue 1: Lille returns to podium contention, Rennes in Top 5, Metz clings to elite status

Lille caught up with Lyon on the podium with a victory over Paris FC. At the same time, Metz managed a spectacular draw against Le Havre, while Rennes practically sent Nantes to Ligue 2.

The beautiful move by Lille. Winners over Paris FC at the Stade Jean-Bouin (0-1) in the 31st round of Ligue 1, Bruno Genesio’s men cling to their Champions League dream, leveling with Lyon (3rd) at 57 points. This dream is also shared by Rennes, who defeated Nantes (2-1) at home while Metz and Havre put on one of the year’s most spectacular matches, ending in a thrilling draw (4-4).

Lille tightens its grip on the podium by defeating Paris FC 1-0, who had been undefeated in eight matches. The only goal of the game was scored in the first half from a penalty by young Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the 26th minute. This victory pulls the northern team level with Lyon in the race for the Champions League. With 57 points, like Lyon who won against Auxerre 3-2 the day before, Bruno Genesio’s men cling to the European train but may regret only winning by one goal: with a perfect tie (points, goal difference), they are only behind the Gones in direct confrontations (2 wins for Lyon).

In this final sprint, Lille has the advantage of a more favorable schedule than Lyon with two home games against lower-ranked clubs (Le Havre and Auxerre, with a trip to Monaco) in the last three matches, while Lyon still has to face Rennes (5th, 56 points), a direct rival for Europe, along with Toulouse and Lens, who have not completely given up in the title race. The Dogues take advantage of this to extend their unbeaten streak in the league to eleven matches (having not lost since February 1st against Lyon), while Paris FC, who had remained unbeaten in eight matches, suffered their first loss under Antoine Kombouare.

Defeated in stoppage time, Nantes may have bid farewell to the elite. Now 9 points behind the 15th-placed OGC Nice and 4 points behind 16th-placed Auxerre, the men of Vahid Halilhodzic conceded a goal in the dying moments, courtesy of their former gem Valentin Rongier. A harsh 2-1 defeat for the Canaries, who gave it their all. Quickly falling behind from a penalty by Esteban Lepaul (8th), they managed to equalize through Ignatus Ganago just before halftime (40th). They resisted throughout the second half, only to falter towards the end of the match. A precious victory for Rennes, who keep the podium in sight.

With three rounds to go, including matches against Marseille and Lens, it would take a miracle for the Yellow and Green team, but it’s hard to believe as they once again finish a match feeling frustrated. This match confirmed Rennes’ offensive struggles at home, despite four consecutive away victories with 14 goals scored and only 3 conceded. The dream seems forbidden for Nantes this season, while Rennes is on the brink of European qualification, maybe even in the Champions League, within reach.