“It would be professional misconduct not to be third by 11 PM on Sunday,” declared Lille defender Thomas Meunier, setting a determined tone after their vital 1-0 away victory against Monaco. That win propelled Lille onto the Ligue 1 podium with just one match remaining. It’s hard to argue with his assessment. LOSC stands on the brink of Champions League qualification, facing a team from the lower half of the table that, on paper, is considered an easier opponent.

However, nothing is guaranteed until the Dogues complete their mission this Sunday evening against Auxerre on the final day of the championship. This decisive encounter will be broadcast live from 9 PM in a duplex with Ici Nord, featuring commentary from Thomas Lavaud.

Lyon and Rennes lie in wait

The Lille squad possesses every advantage to conclude their season triumphantly. A victory guarantees their Champions League qualification. Should LOSC falter, attention will shift to the results of their primary rivals. Lyon trails Lille by a single point in fourth place, while Rennes sits fifth, two points behind. Lyon will face their local rivals Lens, and Rennes will be on the road against Marseille. In the worst-case scenario (a Lille defeat combined with victories for both Lyon and Rennes), Lille would finish fifth, securing a spot in the Europa League. This is an outcome no one associated with the club desires.