Ligue 1 – Key points for matchday 23, Lens can take advantage of Europe | OneFootball

During the 23rd matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain faces Metz at the Parc des Princes this Sunday at 9:05 PM. A must-win match in an exciting race.

The standings:

The matches:

PSG (2nd) must aim for victory against Metz (18th), that’s clear. The Champions League is also in the mix, with the playoffs against AS Monaco, but that cannot be used as an excuse. Paris has a great squad. And once again, their opponent is in crisis. They must stay focused to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Especially since Lens (1st) is in a rather good position against Monaco (8th). Notably because Monaco often struggles in away matches. Also, because they too have the Champions League playoff and could lack the strength to overcome a confident Lens side.

Lille (5th) is also a European contender who must manage their trip to Angers (11th) with the Europa League playoffs against Red Star Belgrade. It’s even more delicate for the 5th-placed team, who haven’t been able to bounce back in 2026 and are seeing their rivals take advantage.

Among them is Olympique Lyonnais, now 3rd with a lead, and already qualified for the Europa League round of 16. OL has a tough away game at Strasbourg (7th), who are also in the round of 16 but in the Europa Conference League. These are matches that could also benefit Lens, who keep saying they’re aiming for a European spot rather than the title for now.

We’ll also have to watch Olympique de Marseille’s (4th) reaction, in the midst of a storm, with a change of coach and sporting director, at Brest, a 12th-placed team that can trouble anyone. Especially at home. Rennes (6th) has also recently decided to make changes and stood out with their win against PSG last weekend, so beware of the famous post-victory match. Auxerre (16th) bounced back at Metz and intends to fight for survival until the end. There’s quality in their play, and the efficiency to get results.

That’s less the case for FC Nantes, 17th, who seem to be heading straight for Ligue 2. They’ll need some big surprises to get out of trouble. Maybe against Le Havre, 13th, who lack consistency and just won against Toulouse. The 10th-placed team needs to get back to winning ways to stay in the hunt for a possible European surprise. It will be a very tough away game for Paris FC, as the 15th-placed team really needs to regain confidence. Nice (14th) too. They’ll have to find the right formula against a Lorient (9th) side full of carefree enthusiasm, with maybe a little European dream taking shape.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.