Two teams are playing very big this Saturday evening in Ligue 1: Lille receives Marseille at 9 p.m., in a meeting to follow live and in full in “Europe 1 Sport”. Both teams are looking to secure a place in the European Cup next season. For OM, currently 3rd in the championship, a second place would be synonymous with direct qualification in the Champions League.
Everything is probably at stake this weekend for Marseille and Lille in Ligue 1. Losc (5th) receives OM (3rd) on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. for the 36th day of the championship – a meeting to follow live and in full In Europe 1 Sport. Lille need a victory to secure a place in the European Cup, but the Marseillais must win to continue to hope for direct qualification in the Champions League.
Three days to go, Olympique de Marseille are two points behind RC Lens, runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain. The Phocaeans are therefore dependent on a misstep from their opponents, who will play this Sunday in Lorient, and must at the same time win everything.
“Third place is a failure”, concedes Valentin Rongier
A frustrating situation for Marseille, as OM have spent most of the season in 2nd place in Ligue 1. But too many avoidable missteps have led coach Igor Tudor’s players into this position, acknowledges the vice – Captain Valentin Rongier. “The objectives for the start of the season is to qualify directly for the group stages of the Champions League. We are having a good season, but there are things that are hard to swallow,” concedes the midfielder , in reference to the eliminations in the group stage of C1 and in the Coupe de France against Annecy.
“It’s not a perfect season, third place is a failure,” said the Frenchman. Indeed, finishing third in Ligue 1 would undoubtedly be synonymous with two preliminary rounds in the middle of summer to join the coveted Champions League. It would also cause financial uncertainties to build next season’s budget and recruitment.
This is why OM, for what will undoubtedly be Dimitri Payet’s last game this season, absolutely wants to win. The Marseillais will have to be wary of the ambition of Lille, fickle but sometimes irresistible at home.
Source: Europe1
Brayden White, a veteran sports writer at Global Happening, brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sports section. With over a decade of experience, he is committed to delivering high-quality coverage of the latest games and events.
