The final day of Ligue 1 ended with fireworks on Sunday May 19. If Paris Saint-Germain celebrated its twelfth title at the end of April, the epilogue of the French championship proved to be full of twists and turns. From the podium, won at the last minute by Stade Brestois, to the place of play-off, saved on the wire by FC Metz, many situations evolved during a crazy evening.
Author of a top-flight season, the little thumb from Stade Brestois had seen Lille pass him in front of him the previous day. Guaranteed to compete at least in the Champions League play-offs, promised at the fourth, the Finisterians played their chances to the fullest on the pitch of Toulouse who did not play much. Like their season, marked by extraordinary performances, Eric Roy’s men won the match (3-0). At the same time, Lille fought a battle with OGC Nice throughout the evening. Quickly led, the Mastiffs equalized, then took the lead, thinking they had acquired third place. But an equalizer from Lotomba in added time (2-2, 93rd) struck the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. And offered Brestois direct qualification for the next Champions League. In fourth place, LOSC will have to contend with the play-offs of the premier competition in Europe.
Lyon has succeeded in its incredible bet! Still last on the evening of the 15th day, Les Gones managed to climb the rankings game after game to secure a sixth place and an improbable qualification for the Europa League. As a symbol, Pierre Sage’s men concluded their last match with a victory and a final goal from Alexandre Lacazette in added time, to win 2-1. Already the author of the opening goal, the Lyon captain finished the Ligue 1 season with 19 goals on the clock to the delight of his supporters… but not for that of Marseille. Despite its victory against Le Havre (2-1), OM finished in eighth place, the first non-qualifying for a European Cup. Just ahead, Lens suffered, but snatched their qualification for the Europa Conference League play-offs by drawing against Montpellier (2-2). The Sang et Or will still be able to harbor regrets, they who led 2-0 at half-time and could dream of competing in the Europa League.
At the bottom of the table, the matter seemed settled at dawn of the last day: Clermont was going to go down, and Lorient seemed condemned to accompany the Auvergnats. With three points behind the play-off place occupied by Metz, the Merlus needed a little miracle… and it almost happened! While the Messins were beaten by PSG (0-2), the Lorientais piled up the goals in a melting Moustoir stadium. Abergel, Bamba, Dieng… The Merlus made a string of achievements to put Mory Diaw, the Clermont goalkeeper, condemned to fetching the ball into the back of his net five times. But these offensive fireworks were not enough: the Bretons finally finished with as many points (29) and the same goal difference as Metz (-23). The Messins only retain their play-off place thanks to a very precise criterion, and one more goal scored away from home during direct confrontations between the two clubs during the season. And will have the opportunity to save their place in L1 during a play-off match against a Ligue 2 club.
