On a thrilling penultimate match day in Ligue 1, Marseille and Monaco both secured their spots in next season's Champions League, while Paris Saint-Germain continued their dominance with a commanding victory over Montpellier. The excitement was palpable as the teams battled for crucial points in their respective matches, shaping the final standings of the season.
Marseille faced off against relegation-threatened Le Havre, knowing that a win would guarantee their place among Europe's elite. The match kicked off with both teams displaying high intensity, but it was Amine Gouiri who broke the deadlock for Marseille shortly after halftime, putting the visitors ahead. However, the match was interrupted for approximately half an hour due to crowd trouble, as Marseille supporters clashed with home fans in the stands.
Once the action resumed, Le Havre's Issa Soumare managed to equalize, sending a wave of anxiety through the Marseille camp. But with just five minutes left on the clock, Mason Greenwood delivered a moment of brilliance, curling a stunning strike from outside the box to restore Marseille's lead. This goal marked Greenwood's 19th of the season in Ligue 1, a testament to his exceptional form.
Gouiri then sealed the victory for Marseille with his second goal in stoppage time, wrapping up a 3-1 win that not only secured Champions League qualification but also lifted the spirits of the traveling fans. "I am really, really pleased for the players, the club, the supporters and the city of Marseille, which is a city that lives for football," said Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi, reflecting on the significance of the win.
Meanwhile, Monaco was also in action, taking on Lyon in a crucial match that would determine their Champions League fate. The match unfolded in the principality, where Monaco's Takumi Minamino opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, followed by a goal from Denis Zakaria just six minutes later. With this 2-0 victory, Monaco ensured their qualification for the Champions League, finishing the match with a total of 61 points and solidifying their position in third place.
As the dust settled on the day's matches, PSG showcased their prowess with a 4-1 triumph over Montpellier, highlighted by a sensational hat-trick from Goncalo Ramos. PSG, who had already clinched the Ligue 1 title weeks earlier, rested several key players ahead of their upcoming Champions League final against Inter Milan on May 31. Teenager Senny Mayulu kicked off the scoring for PSG, followed by Ramos's impressive performance that included a penalty and a remarkable strike from distance.
With PSG focused on achieving their first-ever treble, the pressure was on for the other teams in the league as they jostled for position. Behind Marseille and Monaco, three teams—Nice, Lille, and Strasbourg—were all level on points but suffered defeats on the same day, complicating their hopes for Champions League qualification. Nice lost 2-0 to Rennes, Lille fell 2-0 to Brest, and Strasbourg faced a surprising 2-1 loss to Angers, which marked their first defeat in 13 matches.
Lyon, sitting in seventh place, found themselves in a precarious position as they aimed for the fourth spot, needing a win against Angers in their final match while hoping for favorable results from their rivals. The battle for survival was equally intense at the bottom of the standings, where last-placed Montpellier was already relegated, but Saint-Etienne kept their hopes alive with a crucial 2-0 victory over Reims. This win left them just one point behind Le Havre, who were in the relegation playoff spot.
As the season nears its conclusion, the stakes have never been higher for all teams involved. The final matchday promises to be a nail-biter, with several teams fighting for both glory and survival in Ligue 1. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcomes as the drama unfolds in what has been an exhilarating season.
