The final day of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season brings a high-stakes encounter as Olympique de Marseille hosts Stade Rennais. Both clubs currently hold the last two European qualification spots, but their goals for this final whistle differ. While Rennes has an eye on the fourth Champions League spot—depending on results elsewhere—Marseille is fighting to protect its position from a surging Monaco side. This clash at the Vélodrome is set to be the highlight of the evening’s action.
Here is all the essential information to follow this decisive matchday 34 fixture, which will determine the European future for both teams.
Marseille vs Rennes: match details
- Date: Sunday, May 17
- Kick-off time: 21:00
- Venue: Stade Orange Vélodrome
- Referee: Ruddy Buquet
- VAR: Active
- TV Channel: Ligue 1+
- Live Streaming: Ligue 1+ (site and app), Prime Video, DAZN, RMC Sport, L’Équipe
- Odds: OM @ 1.95 | Draw @ 3.73 | Rennes @ 3.33
Olympique de Marseille: team news
Off-field narratives have often overshadowed the pitch at Marseille recently. Between the impending arrival of Grégory Lorenzi to replace Medhi Benatia and the ongoing debates regarding Habib Beye’s future, the atmosphere in the city is electric. However, the objective remains clear: Marseille must defeat Stade Rennais to ensure they secure, at the very least, a spot in the Conference League.
Habib Beye faces a selection headache with several key players unavailable. The squad is currently without Hamed Junior Traoré, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Nayef Aguerd, and CJ Egan-Riley. Despite the pressure, the coach found some breathing room after a narrow 1-0 victory against Le Havre. Facing his former club presents a much tougher challenge. While some critics point out that Rennes has improved since his departure from Bretagne, a victory here would allow Beye and the club to head into the summer break with their European objectives met.
Marseille – Predicted Lineup: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina, Emerson – Vermeeren, Hojbjerg, Greenwood, Timber, Paixao – Gouiri.
Coach: Habib Beye
Stade Rennais: team news
Rennes will be missing a vital piece of their puzzle this Sunday. Brice Samba, recently called up to the France squad for the upcoming World Cup, is suspended after picking up too many yellow cards. In his absence, Franck Haise is expected to give the nod to young Mathys Silistrie. Interestingly, the young goalkeeper made his Ligue 1 debut back in February against Lens under the guidance of none other than Habib Beye.
Despite the loss of their captain in goal, Franck Haise is traveling to Provence with high ambitions. The manager remains pragmatic after a recent loss to Lyon but knows that a win, combined with a slip-up from their direct rivals, could propel them into fourth place. That recent defeat was a rare blemish in an otherwise strong run of form, marking their only loss in the last seven outings.
Stade Rennais is already guaranteed European football next season, but the specific competition remains a mystery. Whether it will be the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League will be decided tonight.
Stade Rennais – Predicted Lineup: Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Szymanski, Rongier, Camara – Al-Tamari, Lepaul, Embolo
Coach: Franck Haise
How to watch the match live
This massive Ligue 1 finale between Marseille and Rennes kicks off at 21:00 this Sunday, May 17. To watch the game in full, viewers can tune into the Ligue 1+ platform. The match will also be featured in the final day Multiplex, with individual coverage available on the broadcaster’s secondary channels.
Subscribers to other services like Prime Video, DAZN, RMC Sport, and L’Équipe can also access the match through their existing Ligue 1 broadcast agreements. This provides multiple avenues for fans to catch every minute of the action as the European race reaches its climax.
Head-to-head: Marseille vs Rennes
This fixture is a classic of the French top flight. Historically, Marseille has held the upper hand since 2003 with 24 wins compared to 14 for Rennes and 13 draws. The Phocéens will be looking to replicate their recent home successes against the Bretons to secure their European ticket.
Marseille dominated the last meeting at the Vélodrome with a 3-0 win in the Coupe de France back in February. They also came out on top in a thrilling 4-2 victory on the final day of the previous season. However, the dynamic has shifted this year. Rennes currently sits three points ahead of Marseille in the standings, thanks in part to their 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture last August, decided by a late goal from Ludovic Blas.
Match odds
- Marseille victory: 1.95
- Draw: 3.73
- Rennes victory: 3.33
Please note that odds are subject to change before kick-off. Always gamble responsibly. 18+
