“It would be a professional failing not to be third by Sunday at 11 p.m.” Lille defender Thomas Meunier’s declaration set a clear tone following a crucial 1-0 triumph away at Monaco. That victory propelled Lille onto the Ligue 1 podium with just one matchday remaining. It is hard to dispute his assessment; LOSC appears to have one foot firmly in the Champions League, facing a team from the lower half of the table, which on paper, is significantly outmatched.

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 p.m., featuring commentary by Thomas Lavaud.

Lyon and Rennes lie in wait

The Lille squad possesses all the necessary tools to conclude their season in the most favorable manner. A win guarantees their direct qualification for the Champions League. Should LOSC falter, attention will shift to the results of their primary contenders. Lyon trails Lille by just one point, while Rennes sits in fifth, two points behind Lyon. Olympique Lyonnais will face their local rivals Lens, and Rennes will play away at Marseille. In the worst-case scenario for Lille (a loss for the northern club coupled with victories for both Lyon and Rennes), LOSC would finish 5th and secure a spot in the Europa League. This is a outcome no one associated with the club desires.