Ligue 1: Lille loses third place but catches up to the podium, Rennes maintains pace, Metz and Nantes still alive

Despite their victory on the Paris FC pitch, the Lille team lost their third place in Ligue 1 to Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday.

Published on April 26, 2026 at 19:18 and updated at 19:23, the article covers Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Esteban Lepaul during the 31st day of Ligue 1 on April 26, 2026.

A small goal that was almost enough to make them happy. Playing at the Jean-Bouin stadium, the Lille team knew they had to win by at least two goals to regain their third place in Ligue 1 on Sunday, April 26. This third place was held by Olympique Lyonnais, who had won against Auxerre the day before. However, despite Lille’s victory over Paris FC (1-0) with Matias Fernandez-Pardo scoring the only goal of the match, the team couldn’t climb back onto the podium.

With the same number of points as Lyon, Lille has a worse goal difference (+16) and lost in direct confrontations, with Lyon winning 1-0 in both matches. Despite this setback, Lille remains in the fight, just like Stade Rennais. The Bretons were struggling against FC Nantes in the derby but were saved at the end of the match by Valentin Rongier, who scored the winning goal in injury time (2-1, 90+3).

Although this goal doesn’t officially relegate FC Nantes to Ligue 2, they are nine points behind Nice, the first non-relegation team, and five points behind Auxerre in the relegation playoff spot. In Ligue 2, FC Metz almost made their return after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Le Havre, keeping their hopes alive to secure the playoff spot.