Ligue 1 Preview: PSG Seek Redemption At Lyon As Rennes Visit Paris FC

‎Both reeling from painful European setbacks, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to lock horns at the Groupama Stadium this Sunday in what promises to be the standout fixture of the Ligue 1 weekend.

‎Elsewhere, revival Metz face Nice with survival hopes reignited, while Paris FC host Rennes aiming to climb back into the top half of the table.

‎Lyon vs PSG

‎Two of France’s biggest clubs find themselves in need of redemption after sobering defeats on the continental stage.

‎PSG Out to Reassert Authority

‎European champions Paris Saint-Germain were undone by Bayern Munich’s relentless machine in midweek, suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes.

‎Former Liverpool winger, Luis Díaz struck twice inside the opening half-hour to exact revenge on Luis Enrique’s side before being sent off, with João Neves’s goal proving a mere consolation.

‎The result marked PSG’s first Champions League defeat of the season and put their perfect record to rest. Domestically, the Parisians remain top of Ligue 1 but their margin has shrunk to just two points ahead of Marseille and Lens.

‎Last weekend, it took a Gonçalo Ramos strike deep into injury time to snatch a 1-0 victory over Nice, extending PSG’s unbeaten league run to six matches.

‎They also hold the best away record in the division this season with 11 points from six trips though their only league defeat came on the road against rivals Marseille.

‎Lyon’s Home Comforts Tested

‎On the other side, Lyon’s European journey hit turbulence on Thursday as they fell 2-0 to Real Betis in the Europa League.

‎Goals from Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony sealed a comfortable win for the Spanish side, condemning Lyon to a second straight game without scoring after a goalless draw at Brest.

‎Despite their away struggles, Paulo Fonseca’s men remain a formidable force at home. Six of their seven matches at the Groupama Stadium this season have ended in victory, and Lyon have scored in every home game so far in 2025–26.

‎However, history is not on their side. PSG have won five consecutive meetings between the clubs and have not lost away to Lyon since Thomas Tuchel’s tenure in 2019.

‎Still, should Lyon prevail on Sunday, they would close the gap to just one point behind the league leaders.

‎Metz vs Nice

‎At Stade Saint-Symphorien, the revival Metz aim to continue their newfound momentum when they host Nice on Sunday.

‎Metz’s Turnaround in Form

‎Just weeks ago, Metz looked destined for relegation trouble after a demoralizing 6-1 defeat to Lille.

‎Since then, however, Stéphane Le Mignan’s men have turned a corner. Consecutive victories, including a 2-0 triumph at Nantes, have lifted them to 17th place, just one point adrift of safety.

‎A third straight win would mark Metz’s best top-flight run since 2021 and their first back-to-back home victories in Ligue 1 since May 2022. Defensive solidity has been the backbone of their revival, with two straight clean sheets restoring confidence in the camp.

‎Nice’s Away Troubles Continue

‎For Nice, heartbreak struck last weekend when they fell 1-0 to PSG courtesy of a stoppage-time goal. It was a bitter pill for Franck Haise’s side, who have now lost two of their last three away matches across all competitions.

‎Le Gym has managed just one away win this season, a 2-1 success at Rennes, and will be desperate to avoid consecutive league defeats for only the second time this campaign.

‎Despite the inconsistency, Nice remain just three points off fourth place, and victory in Metz could reinvigorate their European push.

‎Notably, Nice boasts a dominant record over Metz in recent meetings, winning the last three encounters without conceding a goal, including a 1-0 win at Saint-Symphorien in 2023.

‎Paris FC vs Rennes

‎In the capital, Paris FC return to Stade Jean Bouin to host Stade Rennais in a mid-table clash that could shape both sides’ momentum heading into the winter stretch.

‎Paris FC Eyes Home Advantage

‎After a mixed start to the season, Paris FC find themselves 11th with four wins from 11 matches. The Parisians have proven difficult to beat on their own patch, and manager Thierry Laurey will be urging his players to capitalize on familiar conditions.

‎A win here could propel them into the top ten and closer to the European conversation, particularly if they can rediscover the attacking spark that saw them enjoy strong early-season form.

‎Rennes Seek Stability

‎Rennes, meanwhile, have blown hot and cold in recent weeks but still carry the quality to challenge for continental spots.

‎A trip to Paris offers a stern test of their consistency, as they aim to build on recent progress under Julien Stéphan and avoid slipping into mid-table stagnation.

‎Prediction:

‎PSG 2-1 Lyon

‎Metz 1-1 Nice Draw

‎Paris FC 2-1 Rennes