VALENTINE CHAPUIS / AFP
Winners in style in Toulouse (0-3), the Brestois benefited from Lille’s draw at home to qualify for the C1 group stage.
Stade Brestois did it. Thanks to a final twist in Lille, where LOSC collapsed in the final moments against Nice (2-2), the Bretons qualified for the group stage of the Champions League at the cost of a success with the way on the pitch of Toulouse (0-3).
Toulouse-Brest: SB29 will touch the stars
This is the HUGE surprise of this season. Brest will compete in the Champions League next season. Well helped by the draw conceded by Losc against Nice (2-2), the Breton club was able to fulfill its part of the contract, by largely winning in Toulouse (0-3). Neutralized by Téfécé in the first period, Eric Roy’s men played their part after the break. Camara’s superb goal at the edge of the area (48th) perfectly launched the second act of SB29, which then broke away thanks to Amavi (54th) then Lala (90th). The wait for the final whistle in Lille then gave way to scenes of indescribable joy. Living up to the sensation of seeing the Brestois finish on the podium, a feat never accomplished in their history.
Lille-Nice: Losc misses the last step
Like a taste of unfinished business. In a favorable tie to keep its third place, Losc was caught at the worst moment. The northern club was unable to overcome Nice (2-2) and will have to go through the play-offs next August to reach the Champions League. The lesson of a very frustrating evening for the Mastiffs who were slow to let go, facing the Aiglons who had nothing left to play. Quickly led by conceding a goal from Laborde (10th), Lille nevertheless turned everything around in the second half, thanks to Haraldsson (55th) and André (73rd). But Lotomba’s equalizing goal at the end of the match (90th + 3) froze Pierre-Mauroy’s mood. And spoil the end of the season for Paulo Fonseca’s men.
Lyon-Strasbourg: OL staying in Europe
Who would’ve believed that ? Last in the ranking until 14th day, the Lyonnais will play in Europe and the Europa League next season. OL had a great end to the season, concluded with a home victory against Strasbourg (2-1) in the final moments thanks to a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette, who scored twice. Pierre Sage’s players take advantage of Lens’ misstep to finish in 6thth place.
Lens-Montpellier: the Sang et Or scuttled
Lens will (only) play the Europa Conference League during the 2024/2025 financial year. The Lensois had however done the hardest part by leading 2-0 at the break against Montpellier thanks to the achievements of Wahi (4th) and Machado (45+3). A result which ensured the 6th place for the Northerners and therefore a European place but that was without counting on the Montpellier awakening in the second period. Maamma (58th) then Mincarelli (75th) punished the Sang et Or, too calm after the break and cold-blooded by the MHSC who had nothing left to play. Franck Haise’s men finished 7th.
Le Havre-Marseille: OM finishes well but will not be European
The Marseillais found themselves very close to Europe in the middle of the second half when Montpellier (in Lens) and Strasbourg (in Lyon) were only one goal away from leading the score. But the victory of the Marseillais on the lawn of Le Havre (1-2) thanks to Aubameyang (64th) and Murillo (77th) has no impact on the ranking as Lyon won and Lens took a point. Marseille will not be European and ends the season in 8thth position.
Monaco-Nantes: festive evening for Louis II
In a match without stakes, ASM had a great evening against Nantes, winning with a clear score of 4-0. A big victory launched by Ben Yedder’s quick opening score, effective from the start for his potential last match in the Monegasque jersey (6th). Kehrer, whose purchase option was exercised this week, will be on the Rock next season and was responsible for doubling the lead (11th). Faced with Nantes demobilized a week after having ensured their maintenance, Adi Hütter’s men rolled out. Camara from the penalty spot (24th), then Ben Seghir (61st) allowed the Principality club to sign one of the cards of this last day.
Reims-Rennes: one last failure for the Rouge et Noir
As with Louis II, Reims welcomed Rennes for the honor. Deprived of Europe next season, the Breton club concluded this 2023/24 financial year with yet another disappointment, losing to Auguste-Delaune (2-1). After an uninteresting first act, the Champagne victory took shape after returning from the locker room. Abdelhamid did not miss his farewell with the Reims supporters by opening the score from the penalty spot (48th), while Akieme was responsible for doubling the lead with a magnificent volley (80th). The reduction in the gap signed by Rieder at the end of the match remained anecdotal (90th + 5).