Ligue 1: Matchday 21 key points, two big clashes to exploit | OneFootball

During the 21st matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain faces Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes this Sunday at 8:45 pm. A highly anticipated match, but it is not the only one of great importance.

The standings:

The matches:

PSG hosting OM is always a major event in the season. Even more so when it’s also the 1st place team facing the 3rd. Both need a win to put pressure on their rival and avoid seeing the top two spots slip away. Take note, the Parisians will have had plenty of time to prepare, whereas the Marseillais played against Rennes on Tuesday in the Coupe de France, winning 3-0.

The fatigue of the Rennes players could also have an impact on another decisive match, as the 6th place team travels to Lens, who are 2nd and like to put pressure on PSG, and who will certainly want to get something positive out of the Classico—especially if they win at home beforehand.

In any case, some teams in the top 6 will drop points, an opportunity that Lyon (4th), Lille (5th), and Strasbourg (7th) must not let slip as they face teams from the bottom of the table. Still, nothing is settled in the fight to stay up. Metz (18th), Nantes (16th), and Le Havre (15th) will fight hard. Interestingly, all three teams will be playing at home. There could be some surprises.

Then there’s Toulouse (8th), Lorient (9th), and Monaco (10th), who are “lying in wait.” However, they have something in common that isn’t positive: they are all playing away, and against teams just behind them who could cause problems. Angers (11th) have shown great qualities in recent weeks, Brest (12th) are capable of anything, and Nice (13th) have had some flashes in an otherwise very tough season.

Finally, there is just one direct relegation battle, with Auxerre (17th) hosting Paris FC (14th). A particularly important match as the final sprint begins to take shape. And, as mentioned at the start of this article, it’s quite possible that the competitors will have difficulties against clubs fighting for European spots.

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