Ligue 1 has resumed, and the first clear-cut chances are already emerging. After Marseille's dominant 4-0 victory over Strasbourg on Friday night, Lens responded with a spectacular 5-2 win against Auxerre on Saturday. Lyon secured a 2-0 victory in Toulouse, while Le Mans snatched a point against Brest (2-2). Nice-Lorient and Troyes-Paris FC both ended goalless. Three matches remain on the schedule this Sunday, culminating in Rennes-PSG at 20:45 PM.
Lens is already sending a message
Last season's runners-up in Ligue 1, Lens, wasted no time in showing their ambitions. The Sang et Or (Blood and Gold) crushed Auxerre 5-2 at Bollaert in the highest-scoring match of Saturday. Florian Thauvin notably converted two penalties, while Franjo Ivanovic, Saud Abdulhamid, and Ismaëlo Ganiou also found the net. Auxerre paid dearly for Christ Makosso's sending-off and never managed to contain Lens's attacks. The Burgundy side did manage two goals, through Danny Namaso and Lamine Sy, but couldn't truly challenge Lens' dominance. With five goals scored in their opening match, Racing immediately joins Marseille among the teams that made the biggest impression on the first matchday.
Lyon waited until the end of the match to defeat Toulouse
Olympique Lyonnais also made a successful start to their campaign. Playing away at Toulouse, OL secured a 2-0 victory after a match that remained undecided for much of the game. Lyon had to wait until the final minutes to break the deadlock, thanks to goals from Noah Nartey and then Malick Fofana. This win gives Lyon three points before facing Fenerbahçe in the Champions League playoffs. For Toulouse, the outcome was far more frustrating: Les Violets held firm for most of the match before conceding late on.
Le Mans draws with Brest, Nice and Paris FC fail to score.
Back in the top flight, Le Mans treated their fans to a thrilling first match. The home side secured a 2-2 draw against Brest after a dramatic comeback. Brest ultimately avoided defeat thanks to a late equalizer from Kamory Doumbia.
There was much less excitement in Nice and Troyes, however. OGC Nice and Lorient played to a 0-0 draw, as did Troyes and Paris FC. For these four teams, the season therefore begins with one point but without a single goal scored.
Lille and Monaco enter the fray
There are now three matches left to play this Sunday. Lille kicks off its season at 15 p.m. away to Angers. LOSC, third in the last championship, must immediately confirm its status against an Angers side that will try to take advantage of playing at home.
At 17:15 PM, Monaco travels to Le Havre. After a disappointing previous season, the Principality club begins a new campaign in which it aims to return to the top of the table. The trip to Normandy represents its first test before a schedule that will quickly become more demanding.
Rennes-PSG, the champion's first outing
The first matchday will conclude at 20:45 PM with Rennes vs. PSG. This match was originally scheduled to be played at the Parc des Princes but was reversed due to the condition of the Parisian pitch, which was damaged during the intense summer heat. PSG will therefore begin their title defense at Roazhon Park.
Paris remains the overwhelming favorite for the championship. Five-time defending French champions, PSG boasts a squad unrivaled in Ligue 1. The real question this season is whether any team will be able to hold out long enough to challenge their now overwhelming dominance.
Lens, runners-up last season, responded immediately with five goals. Marseille scored four, and Lyon took three points in Toulouse. But over the course of a season, PSG has a considerable lead over its pursuers. Its first response is expected this Sunday evening in Rennes.
The program for this Sunday
The first day therefore ends with three matches: Angers-Lille at 17pm, Le Havre-Monaco at 15:15pm and Rennes-PSG at 20:45pm. After the big wins for Marseille and Lens and Lyon's victory in Toulouse, Lille, Monaco and especially Paris now have the spotlight.
At the end of these three matches, Ligue 1 will have its first complete ranking of the 2026-2027 season.
