The 2022-2023 Ligue 1 title race was fierce. PSG won their 11th Ligue 1 title under Lionel Messi. PSG dominated French football despite a poor final match against Racing Strasbourg. This article will examine PSG’s win, other top teams’ performances, and the season ahead.
PSG Wins 11th Ligue 1
PSG’s season-long consistency led to success. PSG won with one game to spare against tough opponents, injuries, and fierce competition. Lionel Messi was the hero in the 1-1 draw against Racing Strasbourg.
The result put PSG on 85 points, four clear of RC Lens, who won second place and a spot in next season’s Champions League with a 3-0 win over AC Ajaccio at Bollaert-Delelis Stadium.
Second-Place RC Lens Qualifies for Champions League
RC Lens finished second, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, as PSG celebrated their title win. Lens, a squad with a rich history but recent troubles, exceeded expectations this season. In the final game, they defeated AC Ajaccio 3-0 to return to Europe’s top flight.
After losing 2-1 at home to Stade Brestois, Olympique de Marseille will finish third with 73 points.
Marseille OL Third place
Famous French club Olympique de Marseille finished third. Marseille performed well in the top flight of French football despite several setbacks and inconsistency. They lost their final match against Stade Brestois 2-1 at home, preventing them from finishing higher.
Lille are fourth on 66 points after a 2-1 home win against relegation-threatened Nantes thanks to two Jonathan David penalties.
Fourth-Place Lille
Lille struggled to defend their title. They missed the Champions League by finishing fourth with 66 points. Lille’s season had notable moments. Jonathan David, their star striker, scored two penalties to win their final match against Nantes.
Stade Rennais moved into fifth place after a 2-0 win over Monaco, who are behind on goal difference with 65 points. The Europa League slot will be determined in the final round.
Stade Rennais Beats Monaco for Fifth
Stade Rennais, noted for their offensive, finished fifth, surpassing AS Monaco. Rennais’ last match win over Monaco put them ahead on goal difference, setting up an exciting duel for a Europa League spot.
Fourth-placed squad joins French Cup winners Toulouse in Europa League group stage.
Relegation and Nantes’ Future
The relegation battle dominated the season’s finale. AJ Auxerre and Nantes competed for the final relegation slot after Troyes, Ajaccio, and Angers were relegated. Auxerre hosted RC Lens as Nantes played Angers.
Lens qualified for Europe’s top club competition after Lois Openda tied Roger Boli’s 1993-94 record of 20 league goals.
Messi’s Contribution to PSG’s Title
Lionel Messi, PSG’s star, had a great season. Messi quickly adapted to PSG’s star-studded lineup. His goal against Strasbourg showed his individual brilliance and aptitude for scoring when it mattered. Messi’s influence on PSG’s 11th Ligue 1 title cannot be overstated.