After the league’s heavyweights took center stage on Saturday, Sunday belonged to the rest of Ligue 1 — and the drama did not disappoint. From Lens’s climb up the table to Metz’s collapse and Lille’s surge, here’s our tour around France.
Lens edge closer to the podium
Lens got the job done at home, defeating Paris FC 2–1 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. It was a well-controlled performance from the Sang et Or, who made the most of their set pieces. Odsonne Édouard opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful header from a right-sided corner, before Samson Baidoo added the eventual winner. Pierre Lees-Melou had equalized midway through the first half for Paris FC, but it wasn’t enough to stop Lens from taking all three points.
Lens get closer to the top 3 with the same level of points to Strasbourg.
The 5 p.m. multiplex: joy for Toulouse, doubt for Rennes, heartbreak for Metz, and balance between Lorient and Brest
The most entertaining match of the afternoon came at Le Moustoir, where Lorient and Brest produced a thrilling 2–2 draw. Brest led twice but couldn’t hold on, as Sambou Soumano’s late equalizer saved a point for Lorient. Both sides showed plenty of character, though Brest will regret letting the win slip away — they remain midtable, safely above the drop zone but short of momentum.
Metz, on the other hand, are drowning. The Lorraine side were dismantled 4–0 in Toulouse, conceding twice in the opening eight minutes. Yann Gboho and Creswell sealed the rout late on, leaving Metz mired in the relegation zone with little sign of recovery.
Rennes continue to frustrate their fans, too. A 2–2 draw with Auxerre at home did little to ease pressure on coach Habib Beye, whose position grows shakier by the week. After an own goal from Danny Namaso gifted Auxerre the lead, Rennes fought back through Embolo and Fofana — only for Sinayoko to equalize late on. Once again, Rennes dominated but failed to finish the job.
Lille cruise past Nantes and close in on the top three
In the late game, Lille picked up a convincing 2–0 win at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Bruno Genesio’s side pressed high and capitalized on their intensity. Olivier Giroud intercepted a ball before setting up Hákon Arnar Haraldsson for the opener, and Hamza Igamane sealed the deal with a composed finish showcasing his technique and flair.
Solid, efficient, and organized — Lille now sit just two points off the podium and very much in the race for Champions League football.
