The final sprint is on, with lots at stake at every level. For Le Gym, the aim is to place in the top quarter of the league table. The European places. So who do Patrick Vieira’s squad find themselves battling with to get there? What does the fixture list have in store for these sides?

The current league table 

The competition’s fixtures 

4th - Saint-Etienne (53 points)

Les Vertsare in pole position heading into the final sprint. An excellent position given that by beating Bordeaux on Sunday (3-0), Jean-Louis Gasset’s side have even given themselves a chance to secure third place, currently occupied by Lyon (56 points). Three home games and three away trips await ASSE in their final games of the season, including one against Le Gym, in the penultimate game of the campaign. 

5th - Marseille (51 points)

Les Olympiens find themselves in the same situation as Les Stéphanois: they have a couple of points’ head start on the trio behind them and can equally dream of a podium finish. They currently trail by five points and the end of their season will be divided equally between the Orange Vélodrome and matches away from home.

6th - Montpellier (48 points)

“In the running” since the beginning - or thereabouts -, and despite the defeat at the Allianz Riviera at the start of the month, Montpellier remain well placed at the time when it counts. Three points behind Marseille to be precise, and MHSC will head there for the final game of the season...

7th - Reims (48 points)

“The surprise” this season is no longer a surprise given that Reims continue to move forward week after week. Boosted by a solid defence (the fourth best in the top flight), last season’s L2 Champions are still there or thereabouts. In their next game, they face Saint-Etienne, whilst the final game of the season will see them face Paris at home. 

8th - Nice (48 points)

Unlike the other teams in the race for Europe, Les Aiglonswill play most of their remaining games at home. Four matches await them at the Allianz Riviera, including a derby against Monaco in what promises to be a magnificent ending to the season. The Niçois will also travel to Paris and Saint-Etienne.

Mathematically, they can still believe...

9th - Strasbourg (44 points)

Four points behind the trio made up of Montpellier, Reims and Nice, and six points behind Marseille, Strasbourg mathematically retain a chance of finishing in the top five. It’s worth noting that Racing have already secured a European place thanks to their win in the Coupe de la Ligue.

10th - Rennes (43 points)

Slowed down by Nice on Sunday (0-0), Les Rennaisare a little bit further behind Les Alsaciensbut are still in the running mathematically. After a marathon season, including a Round of 16 match in the Europa League against Arsenal (3-1 ; 0-3), Les Bretonsstill have, in parallel with the league, a huge opportunity: the final of the Coupe de France, which will take place on 27 April against Paris. A final that will have a direct impact on the final sprint for Europe.

11th - Nîmes (43 points)

Finally, Nîmes have the same number of points as Rennes. Still focussed on what’s ahead of them Les Crocoscould still cause problems for all of their opponents. On the cards for their final sprint: some huge sides and a final game of the season at the Costières against Lyon. 

The rules 

How many places for Europe?

Ligue 1 offers four European tickets (three for the Champions League and one for the Europa League). The two domestic cups both offer a place each, providing that the winners haven’t already qualified through the league. 

In what circumstance would 5th place qualify?

→ If Paris beat Rennes in the final of the Coupe de France. 

→ If Rennes win the Coupe de France and finish in the top four in Ligue 1.

→ If Strasbourg, the winners of the Coupe de la Ligue, finish in the top four. 

In which circumstances would 6th place qualify? 

→ If Paris win the Coupe de France and Strasbourg, winners of the Coupe de la Ligue, finish in the top five in Ligue 1.

→ If Rennes lift the Coupe de France and Les Rennaisand Les Strasbourgeoisfinish in the top five of Ligue 1.

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