Lille managed to become a Ligue 1 champion for the 2020/2021 season while at the same time breaking the dominance of the wealthy team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Lille confirmed the Ligue 1 title after winning 2-1 over Angers at the Raymond Kopa Stadium, Monday (24/5). Two goals from Jonathan David in the 10th minute and a Burak Yilmaz penalty (45 ‘) were only able to be met by Angelo Fulgini’s one goal in second-half injury time.
These results make Lille end this season at the top of the standings. With a collection of 83 points, Les Dogues is one point ahead of PSG, who have to settle for second place in the final standings.
This championship title made Lille successful break PSG title streak. Les Parisiens have dominated by securing the Ligue 1 trophy for the last three seasons.
The success of becoming a Ligue 1 champion is the fourth in history for Lille. Lille last won the 2010/2011 season when they was strengthened by Eden Hazard, who is now strengthening Real Madrid.
PSG itself actually won in the last week of Ligue 1. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad defeated the lower team, Stade Brestois 29 with a score of 2-0 at the Francis-Le Ble Stadium.
PSG secured the three points thanks to an own goal from Romain Favre in the 37th minute and their star, Kylian Mbappe (71 ‘). However, the 2-0 victory was not enough for PSG to be able to shift Lille from the top of the standings.
This failure to win the Ligue 1 title is clearly disappointing for PSG. Moreover, in terms of material, the players from the French capital team are more classy than Lille.
The two teams will appear in the Champions League next season accompanied by AS Monaco who finished third.
The difference is, Lille and PSG immediately appeared in the group phase, while Monaco had to start from the third qualifying round.
The certainty for Monaco to finish in third place cannot be separated from the bad results suffered by its rival team, Olympique Lyon, in the final series of matches.
While Monaco only drew 0-0 at RC Lens headquarters, Lyon were beaten by guests OGC Nice with a score of 2-3 at the Groupama Stadium.
Lyon finished fourth and won the Europa League group stage ticket with Marseille who finished fifth after a 1-1 draw against Metz.
One other European share, namely the ticket to the Conference League qualifying playoffs, was won by Rennes, who won a 2-0 victory over Nimes at Roazhon Park in the final match.
The win saw Rennes finish in sixth place with 58 points, displacing RC Lens to seventh.
While Nimes and Dijon were already relegated before playing the final match of the week, another team, Nantes, must follow the promotion-relegation playoff phase if they want to keep appearing in the highest caste.
Nantes finished 18th in the standings after losing 1-2 at home to Montpellier in the final match.
Nantes will participate in the two-legged playoff phase against Toulouse on May 27 and 30 to determine who has the right to appear in the top caste next season.
