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Ligue 1 Overview | All to play for in tightening Champions League race

The Derby de la Côte d’Azur was finely poised forward of this weekend, with AS Monaco and OGC Good stage on factors and purpose distinction. Way over bragging rights was on supply, with each golf equipment determined to keep away from defeat in Ligue 1’s exceedingly tight Champions League race. Nevertheless, the derby solely appeared to develop in significance as Saturday wore on. 

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It was to be the final of three Ligue 1 fixtures scheduled that day, with every match involving a member of the highest 4. Olympique de Marseille’s shock defeat away to lowly Stade de Reims and Paris Saint-Germain’s demolition of AS Saint-Étienne meant that by the point the whistle blew within the Stade Louis II to kickstart proceedings, the results of the derby would have ramifications on European positions and Les Parisiens’ impending coronation. 

A draw would have been sufficient at hand PSG a record-extending title, however a draw appeared out of the query. Each Monaco and Good may scent the blood within the water. Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille had misplaced for the fourth time in 5 video games, and the prospect to leapfrog them into second on the expense of their native rivals was too candy a possibility to move up. 

Strasbourg some extent off Champions League spots

Momentum appeared to be in Good’s favour as Mika Biereth noticed a penalty saved by Marcin Bułka, whereas Jérémie Boga put the guests within the lead with a headed effort earlier than the break. Nevertheless, it was Monaco who would come out derby winners as targets from Biereth and Breel Embolo cancelled out the first-half strike and left the fluffed penalty a distant reminiscence. 

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For Monaco, an undefeated run of 4 video games would see the membership leap previous Marseille into the runners-up place, whereas Good, on a run of three with no win, can be left trying over their shoulders on the chasing pack as they cling onto fourth and the remaining Champions League slot (albeit for the qualifying rounds). RC Strasbourg Alsace had already put Les Aiglons below strain forward of this sport once they defeated Olympique Lyonnais on Friday evening. 

Liam Rosenior’s younger squad have stolen the adoration of many in France. Their blistering and dynamic sport is each enjoyable to look at and getting outcomes. Le Racing haven’t misplaced within the league because the thirtieth of November, which has left the membership solely some extent away from Good with seven video games remaining. Upcoming matches towards Good and Monaco look exceptionally attention-grabbing. 

Lille rise above Strasbourg and Lyon

Strasbourg spent a lot of the weekend in fifth after leapfrogging Lyon with a 4-2 victory. Nevertheless, each Lyon and Strasbourg would in the end slip down the desk to sixth and seventh, respectively, following Lille OSC’s Sunday evening Derby du Nord victory over RC Lens. 

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Matias Fernandez-Pardo would rating the one purpose as he capitalised on an out-of-character error from goalkeeper Matthew Ryan. It was removed from a reasonably win for Les Dogues, as will be anticipated once they have the 2nd greatest defensive file and Lens have the third. Nonetheless, what was extra vital was that the end result meant they drew stage on factors with Good (however with a worse goal-scoring file). 

All of this begins to color an image of an thrilling house stretch to the Ligue 1 season. The Champions League race is way from settled, with solely 5 factors separating Monaco in second from Lyon in fifth. Seven video games are left, and it’s clear that any mistake from now till the top of the marketing campaign could possibly be exceptionally pricey. 

This week’s Ligue 1 speaking factors

With that in thoughts, we flip to Adrien Rabiot, who was not greatest happy by his Marseille teammates’ efficiency towards Reims. “I really feel like I’m watching guys who don’t wish to go to the Champions League,” the France worldwide bemoaned. . 

Might Teddy Teuma’s time at Reims be up? The captain struggled to get into the crew below Luka Elsner, and issues haven’t improved with Samba Diawara, who has been crucial of the midfielder. . 

Late into PSG’s snug 6-1 victory over Saint-Étienne, Luis Enrique turned to his bench and did one thing he had not but carried out in a Ligue 1 fixture. The Spanish supervisor introduced on Presnel Kimpembe for his first league look since struggling an Achilles harm in 2023.

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