The 2024-25 Ligue 1 season is exhilarating, and Matchday 26 brings additional thrill to the action-filled schedule. This matchday is vital for numerous teams, as each point can significantly impact their campaigns, whether they’re vying for the title or striving to avoid relegation. At the top, PSG has established itself as the team to conquer, showcasing its elite talent and superiority. With stars like Kylian Mbappé supported by a strong team, they remain the frontrunners. However, clubs like Marseille, Nice, and Monaco are closely trailing, eager to bridge the gap. This matchday allows these teams to demonstrate their capabilities and pressure PSG. Conversely, the relegation struggle introduces another layer of tension. Teams at the bottom of the standings are fervently fighting to stay in Ligue 1, leading to unpredictable matches. These clubs typically exhibit unparalleled resolve, transforming every game into a high-stakes contest. Prepare for an unforgettable football weekend, where each goal, save, and tackle carries significant weight.
Before heading into matchday 26 of the 2024-25 Ligue 1, here is a quick recap of what happened in prior round 25. Where Toulouse and Monaco concluded their game in a 1-1 draw. The last-minute goal from Frank Magri saved Toulouse from defeat. On the other hand, PSG continued their undefeated record over Rennes by defeating them with a scoreline of 4-1. Thanks to Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, and Ousmane Dembele. Montpellier suffered their sixth straight loss against Lille with a score of 0-1. At the same time, Lens snapped their four consecutive defeats by winning the round 25 match over Marseille with a score of 1-0. Neil El Aynaoui shot the final goal for Lens at the last minute, turning the result from a goalless draw into victory for Lens.
Angers’ inconsistent performance continued when they lost matchday 25 to Brest by a score of 0-2. Theo Bair and Hamed Junior Traore’s goals saved Auxerre from defeat against Reims in round 25 of the 2024-25 Ligue 1. Nantes defeated Strasbourg without scoring a single point in the game. Le Havre and St Etienne wrapped up their match in an equalizer with a score of 1-1. This round 25 was quite disappointing for Nice as they suffered a defeat over Lyon with a scoreline of 0-2. Matchday 25 is filled with some thrilling actions and twists, which adds a layer of excitement to the upcoming Matchday 26.
Nice vs. Auxerre
To bounce back from their defeat, Nice will face Auxerre on March 14, 2025, at Allianz Riviera in Nice. In their last encounter, Nice beat Lyon with a score of 2-0. Despite creating chances, Nice had difficulty converting them. Lyon’s goalkeeper, Lucas Perri, made crucial saves to deny Nice any goals. They currently stand in third place in the league table with 13 wins, seven draws, and five losses. To improve their standing, they need three more points to surpass Marseille. On the other hand, Auxerre won their Round 25 match against Reims, bolstering their solid defense, which kept the opponent from scoring a single point.
With eight wins, seven draws, and ten losses, Auxerre is in 11th place with 31 points. Nice’s recent form has been impressive, marked by a series of wins and a strong defensive record. Their ability to seize scoring opportunities has been crucial to their success. In contrast, Auxerre has experienced a more inconsistent stretch, with notable victories against tough opponents and some challenging losses. Considering their current form and home advantage, Nice is favored in this match. Their solid defense and potent offense are too much for Auxerre to overcome.
Nantes vs. LOSC Lille
At Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, the home team will host LOSC Lille on March 15, 2025, in the highly anticipated Matchday 26 of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season. This match is vital for Lille as they strive for a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, with Monaco and LOSC tied at 44 points each. Their recent performance over the last five matches has been impressive, securing three wins, one draw, and one defeat. That sole defeat came against table-topping PSG, where they lost 1-4. Following that game, they faced Dortmund in the Champions League, finishing with a 1-1 draw in Round 16 leg one.
Meanwhile, Nantes is experiencing a disappointing season, winning five games with nine draws and eleven losses. With 24 points, they are currently in 14th place. However, they are just a few points away from the relegation zone, and to avoid this, they need to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and improve their position. Their last head-to-head match occurred in January 2025, ending in a 1-1 draw, although Lille had the upper hand for most of the game. Considering both teams’ recent performances, LOSC Lille has an edge to win this match.
Angers vs. Monaco
On matchday 26 of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, Angers will face Monaco at Stade Raymond-Kopa in Angers on March 15, 2025. AS Monaco has showcased impressive form this season, sitting comfortably in the top four of the Ligue 1 table. Their success can be attributed to their potent attack, prolific forwards, and inventive midfielders. Defensively, they have been strong, allowing fewer goals than many competitors. Conversely, Angers has struggled throughout the season, currently positioned in the lower half of the standings and battling to avoid relegation.
Their campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with a blend of unexpected wins and frustrating losses. However, their home performance has been slightly better, providing some hope as they gear up to challenge a formidable Monaco team. Given the current form and quality of the squads, AS Monaco is the favorite to win this match, with their attacking flexibility and defensive strength posing a significant challenge.
Lens vs. Rennes
The upcoming Ligue 1 match between Lens and Rennes on March 15, 2025, at Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens) is compelling. Lens is having a tough time maintaining consistency, recently ending a five-match losing streak with a narrow 1-0 victory over Marseille. This victory provided a much-needed morale boost for a team struggling with injuries and suspensions. On the other hand, Rennes has shown glimpses of brilliance but continues to be inconsistent. Despite a significant 4-1 defeat to PSG in their last match, Rennes has exhibited resilience in earlier games, including a notable draw against high-caliber opponents.
In their previous H2H matches, Lens and Rennes concluded the game in a 1-1 draw. In the 24th minute of the match, Arnaud Kalimuendo shot the first goal of the game, which gave them an early advantage to secure the victory. Surprisingly, the 90+6′ M’Bala Nzola goal for Lens was an interesting turnover moment that saved Lens from defeat over Rennes. Given the current form of both teams, we can expect another draw from them.
Lyon vs. Le Havre
The upcoming Ligue 1 clash between Lyon and Le Havre is set to take place on March 16, 2025, at the prestigious Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon. Lyon has had an impressive season thus far; they have achieved a remarkable record with 12 wins, six draws, and only seven losses. This performance allowed them to score an impressive total of 46 goals while conceding just 31, showcasing their strong attacking capability and a reasonably solid defense. Their recent 2-0 victory against OGC Nice boosts their confidence and further solidifies their position as a formidable contender in Ligue 1.
In stark contrast, Le Havre has faced significant challenges throughout the season, struggling to maintain form. Their campaign has been far from easy, with only six victories, three draws, and 16 losses. The team has shown vulnerabilities in their defensive setup, allowing 51 goals while only managing to find the net 24 times. Nevertheless, Le Havre has displayed resilience in their away fixtures; remarkably, they have scored in their last seven matches on the road. This ability to find the back of the net, even amid a tumultuous season, highlights a glimmer of hope for Le Havre as they approach this crucial game. Therefore, with the recent form, Lyon will be the favorite to win this game.
Brest vs. Reims
On March 16, 2025, the excitement will be high at Stade Francis-Le Blé when Brest takes on Reims in an important Ligue 1 match for both teams. As the home team, Brest has shown determination this season with their strong defense and fast counter-attacks. Under their coach, Brest has created a solid game plan that uses their speedy wingers and active midfielders to take advantage of their opponent’s weak spots. Key players to watch include their top goal scorer, who has been great at turning chances into goals, and a strong defense that has kept their opponents from scoring.
On the other hand, Reims will aim to keep their recent good performances going as they move up the Ligue 1 rankings. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, Reims has been good at attacking, often pressing high on the field to win back the ball. Their skilled midfielder is expected to control the game’s pace and set up chances for the strikers to score. The team has shown they can create complex passing plays, which will be vital against Brest’s defense. Given the current form and squad dynamics, Brest enters this match as the favorite.
Montpellier vs. St Etienne
Montpellier will host St. Etienne at Stade de la Mosson on March 16, 2025, in the eagerly awaited Ligue 1 clash of the 2024-25 season. Currently, at the bottom of the standings, Montpellier has struggled significantly this season, recording only four wins and facing a six-match losing streak. Their defensive vulnerabilities, underscored by conceding 59 goals, remain serious. St. Etienne, positioned just above them in 17th place, has also encountered difficulties, failing to secure a win in their last nine matches.
However, they have shown some attacking potential, managing to score in their previous four outings. Montpellier is expected to leverage their home advantage with a cautious strategy, whereas St. Etienne may look to capitalize on counter-attacks. Both teams are in dire need of points, setting the stage for a tense and competitive match. Given the closely matched circumstances of these relegation-threatened teams, a draw appears likely.
Strasbourg vs. Toulouse
Matchday 26 will witness the clash between Strasbourg and Toulouse on March 16, 2025, at Stade de la Meinau (Strasbourg) in the forthcoming 2024-25 Ligue 1. Both teams want essential points as they go through the season. Strasbourg, which usually performs well at home, will try to exploit their fans’ support. On the other hand, Toulouse is looking for a strong performance away from home to secure their position in the league. The game will be interesting because Strasbourg will probably play strong defense, while Toulouse may take a more aggressive approach.
Also, their past games show an intense rivalry, which often leads to surprising results. If Strasbourg use the upcoming games wisely, they will have a higher chance of qualifying for the Europa Conference League spot, where they are just two points away from that position. Regarding their recent performance, Strasborough has the upper hand in this match, but Toulouse will give a tough battle on the game day.
PSG vs. Marseille
The much-anticipated showdown between PSG and Marseille on March 16, 2025, at Parc des Princes promises to be exciting. PSG has shown remarkable dominance this season, remaining undefeated with 20 wins and five draws, totaling 65 points and underlining their supremacy in Ligue 1. Their offensive strength, highlighted by stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, has been crucial, evidenced by PSG scoring an impressive 70 goals while conceding only 24. Meanwhile, though in second place, Marseille has had a respectable season.
With 15 wins, four draws, and six losses, they have garnered 49 points, establishing themselves as the second-best team in the league. Their effective combination of solid defense and quick counter-attacks has been key to their performance. Key players like Alexis Sánchez and Dimitri Payet have played vital roles in chance creation and conversion. Thanks to its current form and home-field advantage, PSG enters this match as a firm favorite. While Marseille will fight hard, PSG’s depth and quality are expected to prevail. A PSG victory appears highly likely, further strengthening their lead at the top.
