The last matches of the French Ligue 1 are at 3 PM on Saturday. These matches will have a huge effect on Rennes and Bocanegra's future, specifically whether or not they play in Europa League next year. Because Bordeaux won a Cup in France, and are one of the top teams, the fifth place team gets to go to the Europa League next year. Rennes is currently in 6th, with 61 points and a +12 GD, tied with Lille, which has a +11 GD. Ahead of them are Toulouse (GD +18) and PSG (GD +11) both with 63 points. Rennes plays at Marseille, which I assume is an extremely tough match. They have to win to have any chance of the 5th spot. Marseille still has a shot at the title, so it will be a difficult match from both sides. Boca will surely be tested. If Rennes win, they need Lille to lose, draw, or win by as many goals as Rennes. Lille has a home game against midtable Nancy, so this is bad for Rennes. Meanwhile, PSG plays Monaco at home. They must not do better than a tie for Rennes to reach 5th. Toulouse is playing Lyon at home. If they manage to lose, Rennes will also go up to 5th. Good luck to 'Los and Rennes, but after doing this analysis it seems quite difficult for them to reach the 5th spot. The most important thing is to beat Marseille away, which will not be easy at all. PS. I started this thread extremely early because there's not many other exciting matches going on for YAs (except in Mexico and Scandinavia, I guess).
I've been watching Marseille with interest, as I enjoy seeing their side play. (Plus they have the illest uniforms in the world, but I digress). They are very athletic up front with all kinds of speed and talent. Niang gives teams fits from what I've seen. Their home fans create a very intense atmosphere. Boca and his mates will be put to the test to be sure. They do continue to field Hatem Ben Arfa for reasons I can't fathom. He's very talented, but makes horrific decisions on the field and is a lighning rod for criticism. This is a good test for Bocanegra leading into this summer. He'll be battle tested when he joins the US side, that's for sure.
Their odds of finishing 5th or better are about 8.3%, according to this site: http://www.sportsclubstats.com/France/Ligue1.html
I noticed it says "maybe other R" here. Is it therefore acceptable to discuss Caen v Bordeux as the result there does have some influence over this game. If Bordeaux lose and Marseille win, then Marseille are champs.
That was my intention. I think the matches we can cover, since they can affect the outcome, are Caen-Bordeaux, Lille-Nancy, and PSG-Monaco (no Freddy).
So, Rennes need, 1) A win @Marseille, AND at least two of the following: a) Toulouse to lose at home to Lyon (possible, though Lyon are likely deflated seeing their reign as French champions end). b) PSG to lose or draw at home to mid-table Monaco. c) Lille to fail to win, or to win by less (or equal) margin as Rennes (what happens if they win by +1 and tie Rennes on GD?). Man, they should have just won the darn Cup.
I take it there aren't too many French League fans out there but I'm currently watching Caen vs. Bordeaux atm. Quite a fascinating game. Both teams want to win for similar reasons. Bordeaux need only a draw to win the title. However, Caen are level with St. Etienne on points.. or should I say were level at the start of the match but with St. Etienne leading are now occupying the final relegation place. Both teams really going for it. So basically there will be cheers of champions and tears of relegation at the same time if it stays that way... on the other channel it's Marseille 0-0 Rennes
I'm watching this one because my Lyon feed isn't working. 0-0, Marseille are having the better, but Rennes certainly have had some counter attacking chances. Lille are up 2-1 at half, it was 2-0.
Bordeaux have just gone up, and a moan echos through the Velodrome. Rennes very unlucky on the attack. Still they are getting chances. Bordeaux have as good as won the league, so now how does Marseille respond.
disaster for Rennes, beautiful goal for Marseille. hard to see Caen scoring 2 on Bordeaux however. Also hard to see Rennes getting 2 at OM.
Terrible back pass by Rennes defender leads to a goal for Niang. 2-0. Bocanegra sprinted back and almost covered for his teammates mistake.