Ligue 1 – Key takeaways from matchday 26: Lens slip up, OM move up to third | OneFootball

During the 26th day of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain plays against Nantes at the Parc des Princes after the match was postponed to the week of Wednesday, April 22, while other games were held this weekend. Paris still maintains its 1st place, as the European race tightens.

Matchday Results –

Current Standings –

PSG was merely a spectator this weekend as they prepare for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Chelsea on Tuesday, and the news was good: Lens lost to Lorient and missed the chance to take the 1st place. Yet, Lens dominated against a team in good form: 6 shots to 17 (3 on target to 6), 39% possession, and 1 corner to 10 in favor of the Sang et Or.

This is even worse news for them with Olympique de Marseille's victory against Auxerre, a dull 1-0 win that didn't bring much joy. However, it's important for the standings, while Auxerre is still heading towards Ligue 2.

Especially since Olympique Lyonnais, amidst their Europa League round of 16 and with a very crowded infirmary, couldn't find the resources to win at Le Havre despite a red card for Le Havre in the 55th minute. It's a nice move for HAC in a tough period, but painful lost points for Lyon.

Just behind, Lille won a very important duel for Europe to surpass Stade Rennais, who were stopped in their series of 4 victories. Yet, the Lille team, often ineffective in 2026, was dominated: 11 shots to 5 in favor of Rennes. But it cannot be stressed enough that efficiency is part of football.

AS Monaco managed to win on their side despite the challenges posed by Brest, thus confirming their excellent period and their place in the race for European spots. While it still seems too far for Brest, who also saw Lorient move ahead to cling to a possible dream.

Strasbourg missed the coach and a separation seems to be forming after the 7th place. A real disappointment at home and against a struggling Paris FC lately, but they can still be a very troublesome team. The Parisians, on their side, take an important point to avoid the relegation zone.

In terms of staying up, Nice finally managed to breathe a little by winning, and in style, at Angers. It's reassuring after a long period of crisis. However, confirmation will be difficult before the international break next weekend with the reception of PSG. Lastly, there is the terrible defeat for Metz, who fought to hold Toulouse after being down 0-2 and 2-3, equalized at 3-3 in the 88th minute, then lost at the end of a long added time (90+9).

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