Montpellier vs Lille and PSG vs Rennes mark climax of French Ligue 1 title race

PSG vs Stade Rennes

In the previous round of matches, Paris Saint-Germain did just enough away to Valenciennes to maintain current league leaders Montpellier under pressure. The hosts put PSG 2-0 down after 11 minutes through Aboubakar and Remi Gomis.

However, goals from Nene, Maxwell, Matuidi and Menez did the job for PSG. Cohade scored in the 80th minute for Valenciennes but the visitors successfully protected their lead to claim victory in this 7-goal thriller.

A week after beating Valenciennes, PSG continue their hunt for the French Ligue 1 title with a home game against Stade Rennes. They will be looking to record their 14th win on home soil and hit 76 points.

“I think we need to focus on our game. After, naturally, we will look at the result of Montpellier (against Lille),” Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlos Ancelotti told the press.

“But, the most important thing is to concentrate on our game. We face a dangerous team, who have won nine games on the road.

“Rennes is a good team. But we want to continue to play good football. The most important thing is to show (a good) mentality, character and personality. (We should) not be afraid to play to win.”

Montpellier vs Lille

Paris Saint-Germain are currently 3 points behind Montpellier. The latter will engage in a tough encounter against reigning French Ligue 1 champions Lille. Remarkably, Lille are mathematically not out of the contest to retain their crown.

Sunday night presents a golden opportunity for them to defend their dignity. Lille, who occupy the 3rd spot in the league table, could go within 2 points of Montpellier’s reach before the very last day of the campaign. All Lille need to keep their hopes alive is victory on Matchday 37.

Montpellier have lost only once at the Stade de la Mosson this season and that was against Paris Saint-Germain in September last year. Lille coach Rudi Garcia believes that Montpellier could succumb to their second home defeat on Sunday. The manager insists that Montpellier's lack of familiarity with being at the top of the standings could make the difference in the game.

“It's a bit like the break point or the match point in tennis. It's not easy to deal with psychologically – especially if you are not used to it,” Rudi Garcia told the press on Saturday.

“But every champion has experienced such a moment. Montpellier have not. It does not mean that they won't succeed, but the psychological aspect can have its importance when you are that close to something so huge. And they've been ahead for a long time.”

The top of the French Ligue 1 table looks like this ahead of Matchday 37: