Olympique de Marseille host Stade Rennais in a high-stakes Ligue 1 finale as both teams battle for a prized European competition spot. The hosts must secure all three points at the Stade Orange Vélodrome to leapfrog Rennes into fifth place, currently occupied by the Breton side with a three-point advantage.
The Phocéens arrive at this decisive encounter with mixed emotions. Despite clinching a hard-fought victory at Le Havre in their last outing, Marseille’s performance raised concerns about their defensive resilience and offensive potency—qualities that once defined their play under Roberto De Zerbi.
Olympique de Marseille’s head coach, Habib Beye, will face his predecessor at Rennes, Franck Haise, in a tactical showdown at the Vélodrome. Haise, dismissed by Marseille in February, has since revitalized Rennes with eight league wins, one draw, and two defeats in eleven matches. Beye, however, has managed just five Ligue 1 victories, a draw, and five defeats during the same period, leaving much to prove.
The stakes extend beyond the pitch. A victory for Marseille would not only secure their European ambitions but also symbolize a return to the club’s historical strengths. The Vélodrome’s atmosphere, often electrifying, could swing between hostility and encouragement as the home side seeks redemption.
Historical dominance and recent clashes
Rennes and Marseille have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1, with Marseille holding a slender upper hand at 50 wins to Rennes’ 34. The Breton side has struggled to impose itself at the Vélodrome in recent years.
Last five meetings (Ligue 1):
- 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
Marseille could be without defenders Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, along with midfielders Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and goalkeeper Bilal Nadir.
Rennes will miss defenders Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier, while goalkeeper Brice Samba serves a suspension.
Likely starting XI for Marseille: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.
Likely starting XI for Rennes: Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.
When and where to watch OM vs Rennes
The clash is set for Sunday, May 17, with kickoff at 21:00 CET at the Stade Orange Vélodrome.
Broadcast details
The match will be live on Ligue 1+ 2. Ligue 1+ will also air the full matchday highlights package.
