This Sunday’s clash between Olympique de Marseille and Stade Rennais isn’t just another Ligue 1 fixture—it’s a must-win battle for the final Europa League qualification spot. The Phocéens head into the game knowing a victory at the Orange Vélodrome could secure them a top-five finish, while the Reds are desperate to hold onto their current advantage.
Despite a hard-fought win at Le Havre, Marseille’s form remains shaky. The three points earned in Normandy offered a glimmer of hope, yet the performance raised concerns about the team’s defensive frailties and the decline of their attacking prowess since Roberto De Zerbi’s departure.
Habib Beye faces a reunion with his former club, where he once led the team before his dismissal in February. Since taking over, he has transformed Rennes into a formidable side, notching eight wins, one draw, and just two losses in eleven Ligue 1 matches. Meanwhile, Marseille’s own season has been inconsistent, with five victories, one draw, and five defeats in the same period. Beye now has a chance to prove he can outmaneuver an experienced counterpart while addressing his team’s glaring issues.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: a win for Marseille would leapfrog them into fifth place, overtaking Rennes in the race for the Europa League spot. The atmosphere at the Vélodrome is expected to be electric—possibly even hostile—but the Olympiens are no strangers to high-pressure environments.
Head-to-head dominance: Marseille’s edge over Rennes
The two sides have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1, with Marseille securing 50 wins compared to Rennes’ 34. The Phocéens have historically struggled at the Vélodrome, but recent form suggests a shift in momentum.
Recent encounters: Marseille’s recent dominance
- May 17, 2025: Olympique de Marseille 4-2 Stade Rennais FC
- December 3, 2023: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- September 18, 2022: Olympique de Marseille 1-1 Stade Rennais FC
- September 19, 2021: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- March 10, 2021: Olympique de Marseille 1-0 Stade Rennais FC
Predicted lineups: who will start for OM and Rennes?
Olympique de Marseille may be without key defenders Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, both sidelined abroad. Midfielders Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir remain uncertain due to fitness concerns.
Stade Rennais will also field a depleted side, with Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier unavailable and goalkeeper Brice Samba suspended.
Marseille’s probable XI: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.
Rennes’ probable XI: Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.
Kickoff details: when and where to watch
The decisive match kicks off at 21:00 this Sunday at the Orange Vélodrome. Fans can catch the action live on Ligue 1+ 2, with the main channel also airing the multiplex coverage.