As the final whistle approaches for the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, Olympique de Marseille and Stade Rennais find themselves locked in a fierce battle for the last European qualification berths. This direct confrontation adds an electrifying layer to the season’s conclusion, with each club harboring distinct aspirations.
While Rennes eyes a potential fourth-place finish for a coveted Champions League spot, contingent on the outcome of the Lyon versus Lens match, Marseille faces the daunting prospect of being overtaken by Monaco if they falter. This intense scenario guarantees that the clash between Marseille and Rennes will be among the most captivating fixtures of the evening.
Here’s everything you need to know to follow this pivotal encounter on the 34th and final matchday of Ligue 1, a truly crucial moment in the race for Europe.
Marseille – Rennes: key match details
- Date: Sunday, May 17
- Kick-off: 9:00 PM CET
- Venue: Stade Orange Vélodrome
- Referee: Ruddy Buquet
- VAR: Yes
- TV Channel: Ligue 1+
- Live Streaming: Ligue 1+ (website and app), Prime Video, DAZN, RMC Sport, L’Équipe
- Odds: OM @ 1.95 | Draw @ 3.73 | Rennes @ 3.33
Olympique de Marseille: latest news
The focus around Olympique de Marseille often extends beyond the pitch. With the impending official arrival of Grégory Lorenzi replacing Medhi Benatia, and the uncertain future of coach Habib Beye, local discussions are buzzing. Nevertheless, a European qualification remains the paramount objective, and OM must secure a victory against Stade Rennais to guarantee at least a spot in the Conference League.
Still without key players such as Hamed Junior Traoré, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Nayef Aguerd, and CJ Egan-Riley, Habib Beye faces limited options for this critical match, which could significantly influence his tenure. As captain of a team navigating stormy waters for weeks, the coach found a brief respite with a narrow 1-0 win against a Le Havre side with nothing left to play for. However, the challenge ahead, facing his former club, is considerably greater. Critics of the Senegalese coach often point out Rennes’ improved performance since his departure from Brittany. Yet, a win that secures European football would grant both the club and Beye himself a far calmer summer break than seemed possible just weeks ago.
Olympique de Marseille – Probable starting XI: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina, Emerson – Vermeeren, Hojbjerg, Grenwood, Timber, Paixao – Gouiri.
Coach: Habib Beye
Stade Rennais: latest news
Brice Samba, recently called up for the upcoming World Cup with the French national team, will unfortunately be absent from the Vélodrome pitch this Sunday. Having accumulated too many yellow cards, the goalkeeper is suspended following a booking against Lyon. Therefore, Franck Haise is expected to hand a start to young Mathys Silistrie, who made his Ligue 1 debut last February at Lens (a 3-0 defeat).
Regardless, Haise has declared his team will travel to Provence with strong ambitions. Pragmatic in his assessment of the recent loss in Lyon, the coach still sees an opportunity to overtake Lyon for fourth place with a victory, provided their direct competitor falters. The defeat to Lyon earlier in the month is now a distant memory, notably being their only loss in the last seven matches.
Stade Rennais enters this fixture with high morale, having already secured a spot in a European competition next season. The only remaining question is which one: Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League? The answer will unfold this Sunday evening.
Stade Rennais – Probable starting XI: Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Szymanski, Rongier, Camara – Al-Tamari, Lepaul, Embolo
Coach: Franck Haise
How to watch live on TV or via streaming
The highly anticipated Ligue 1 showdown between Marseille and Rennes is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 9:00 PM CET. To follow the match live on television, viewers will need a subscription to Ligue 1+, the official broadcaster. While the game will be part of the final day’s multiplex broadcast, it will also be available for full, uninterrupted viewing on the channel’s additional streams.
Through its broadcasting partnerships, Ligue 1+ also offers access to Ligue 1 matches via platforms such as Prime Video, DAZN, RMC Sport, and L’Équipe. This can be a convenient option for those who already hold subscriptions to these services.
Marseille – Rennes: head-to-head history
A classic fixture in French football, the encounters between OM and SRFC have been relatively balanced in recent seasons, although the Phocéens maintain a historical advantage in this rivalry since 2003 (24 wins, 13 draws, 14 losses). In their pursuit of European qualification, Marseille will draw inspiration from their last two home victories against Rennes at the Vélodrome.
Marseille triumphed 3-0 in the Coupe de France last February and also secured a thrilling 4-2 victory on the final day of the previous season against Rennes. That win allowed them to secure second place in the league, a stark contrast to the Bretons’ inconsistent performance that season. This season presents a different dynamic: Stade Rennais holds a three-point lead over OM heading into this match, an advantage they gained in the reverse fixture in August, thanks to a late goal from Ludovic Blas (1-0).
Odds for OM – Stade Rennais
- OM victory @ 1.95
- Draw @ 3.73
- Rennes victory @ 3.33
The provided odds are accurate at the time of writing and may change before kick-off.
