Igor PAIXAO of Olympique de Marseille celebrate after scores with teammates during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Marseille and Metz at Stade Velodrome on April 10, 2026 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Sylvain Thomas/FEP/Icon Sport) - Photo by Icon Sport
Olympique de Marseille faces Stade Rennais in a high-stakes Ligue 1 finale that could decide European football destiny. The Phocéens must secure victory at the Orange Vélodrome to overtake Rennes and claim a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-win showdown.
Despite a narrow triumph over Le Havre in their previous outing, Marseille arrive at the season finale with lingering doubts. While the three points in Normandy offered a glimmer of hope, the performance left much to be desired. The team’s defensive frailties remain a concern, and their attacking prowess has dimmed significantly since Roberto De Zerbi’s departure.
Habib Beye returns to the Vélodrome to face Franck Haise, the man who succeeded him at Rennes after his dismissal in February. Haise has revitalized the Breton side, guiding them to eight wins, one draw, and two defeats in eleven Ligue 1 matches.
In the same period, Marseille managed just five wins, one draw, and five losses. Beye will need to prove he can outmaneuver a seasoned tactician while addressing his squad’s persistent issues. This match isn’t just about tactics—it’s about proving the team’s potential matches their paper strength, a challenge they failed in recent clashes against Lorient, Nice, and Nantes (one draw, two losses).
The atmosphere at the Orange Vélodrome could be anything but welcoming, but the home side has grown accustomed to the pressure. A win here would not only secure a top-five finish but also wrest the fifth-place spot—currently held by Rennes—from their grasp, as the Bretons lead by three points.
OM vs Rennes: a look back at their rivalry
The two sides have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1 history, with Marseille holding a slight edge with 50 wins against Rennes’ 34. The Bretons have struggled to secure results at the Vélodrome in recent years.
The last five meetings
- 17/05/2025: Olympique de Marseille 4-2 Stade Rennais FC
- 03/12/2023: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- 18/09/2022: Olympique de Marseille 1-1 Stade Rennais FC
- 19/09/2021: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- 10/03/2021: Olympique de Marseille 1-0 Stade Rennais FC
Predicted lineups for OM vs Rennes
Habib Beye may be without key defenders Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, both recovering abroad. The availability of Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir remains uncertain.
Rennes, meanwhile, will be without Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier, while Brice Samba is suspended.
Probable Marseille lineup: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.
Probable Rennes lineup: Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.
When and where to watch OM vs Rennes
The decisive Ligue 1 clash kicks off at 21:00 CEST on Sunday, 17 May, at the Orange Vélodrome. The match will be broadcast live on Ligue 1+ 2, with Ligue 1+ handling the multiplex coverage.
