As the curtain falls on another Ligue 1 season, Olympique de Marseille faces a high-stakes showdown against Stade Rennais at the Stade Vélodrome. This isn’t just another match—it’s a potential season-defining clash that could determine who secures the final Europa Conference League spot. With everything on the line, the Phocéens must deliver a commanding performance to overtake their rivals and book their ticket to European competition.
Despite a hard-fought victory over Le Havre in their previous outing, Marseille’s form has been far from convincing. The win in Normandy raised hopes, but the display lacked the fluidity and defensive solidity that fans have come to expect. The absence of Roberto De Zerbi’s offensive brilliance still looms large, and the team’s defensive frailties remain a persistent concern.
Habib Beye returns to the Vélodrome as Marseille’s manager, facing his former club and protégé, Franck Haise. Haise has worked wonders since taking charge of Rennes, steering the Breton side to eight league wins, one draw, and just two defeats in eleven matches. Beye, however, has had a more turbulent tenure, with Marseille managing only five victories, one draw, and five losses in the same period. The pressure is on the former defender to prove he can outmaneuver a seasoned opponent and address his team’s glaring shortcomings.
Beye’s squad, on paper, holds a clear advantage over Rennes. Yet, recent performances against Lorient, Nice, and Nantes—just one draw and two defeats—have done little to dispel doubts. The Vélodrome’s atmosphere, often a source of intimidation, may not be as supportive this time, but the players are no strangers to hostile environments. A victory here would not only secure a top-five finish but also snatch the C3 spot from Rennes, who currently lead by three points.
Past encounters: a tale of dominance and frustration
Rennes and Marseille have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1, with the Phocéens edging the head-to-head record at 50 wins to Rennes’ 34. The Breton side has struggled to impose itself at the Vélodrome in recent years, with their last positive result dating back to a 2-2 draw in May 2025.
Recent head-to-head results
- 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-Rennes
Marseille will be without the services of Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, both sidelined due to injuries abroad. Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir are also questionable for the match.
Rennes, meanwhile, will miss Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier, while Brice Samba is suspended. The predicted starting elevens are as follows:
Olympique de Marseille (probable XI): Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.
Stade Rennais (probable XI): Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.
When and where to watch OM vs. Rennes
The decisive fixture kicks off this Sunday, May 17, at 9:00 PM at the Stade Orange Vélodrome.
Broadcast details for the match
Coverage of the match will be available on Ligue 1+ 2, with Ligue 1+ also providing a multiplex broadcast.
