Igor PAIXAO of Olympique de Marseille celebrate after scores with teammates during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Marseille and Metz at Stade Velodrome on April 10, 2026 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Sylvain Thomas/FEP/Icon Sport) - Photo by Icon Sport
The Stade Vélodrome will host a high-stakes Ligue 1 showdown this weekend as Olympique de Marseille (OM) faces Stade Rennais in a must-win battle for European qualification. With just one match remaining in the season, the Phocéens must secure victory to leapfrog their opponents and claim the fifth-place spot—currently held by Rennes—guaranteeing a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
Despite last week’s 3-1 triumph over Le Havre, Marseille’s form remains a cause for concern. The win offered a glimmer of hope, but their defensive frailties and lackluster attacking display in Normandy did little to inspire confidence ahead of this decisive encounter. The absence of Roberto De Zerbi has left a noticeable void, with the team struggling to replicate the fluidity that once characterized their play.
Habib Beye returns to the Vélodrome as Marseille’s head coach, facing his former club. His tenure at Rennes saw the Breton side flourish under his guidance, with eight wins, one draw, and just two defeats in eleven Ligue 1 matches. Now, he faces the challenge of outsmarting a team he once led, proving that his tactical acumen can elevate Marseille beyond their current struggles. With an unsettled squad—Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré sidelined, and key players like Geoffrey Kondogbia and CJ Egan-Riley uncertain—Beye’s task is far from straightforward.
Marseille’s superiority on paper is undeniable, yet their recent performances suggest otherwise. A draw against Lorient, Nice, and Nantes highlights their inconsistency, leaving much to be desired. The weight of expectation rests heavily on Beye’s shoulders as he seeks to reverse this trend and deliver a result that could redefine the club’s trajectory.
The electric atmosphere at the Stade Vélodrome could swing either way. While the home crowd rarely sways from their support, the pressure on Marseille to deliver a performance worthy of a top-flight side is palpable. A win here would not only secure European football but also serve as a statement of intent for the 2026-2027 campaign.
head-to-head: om vs rennes in ligue 1
Over the years, Olympique de Marseille and Stade Rennais have crossed paths 117 times in Ligue 1. The Phocéens hold a historical edge with 50 victories, while Rennes have managed 34 wins, with 33 draws rounding out the record. Notably, the Breton side has struggled to impose itself at the Vélodrome in recent seasons, making this weekend’s clash a potential turning point.
key matches in the last five years
- 17 May 2025: Olympique de Marseille 4-2 Stade Rennais FC
- 3 December 2023: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- 18 September 2022: Olympique de Marseille 1-1 Stade Rennais FC
- 19 September 2021: Olympique de Marseille 2-0 Stade Rennais FC
- 10 March 2021: Olympique de Marseille 1-0 Stade Rennais FC
predicted lineups for om vs rennes
Olympique de Marseille (probable XI):
- Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão
Stade Rennais (probable XI):
- Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul
Injuries and suspensions could shake up the starting elevens. Marseille will be without Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré, while Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir remain doubtful. On Rennes’ side, Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier are unavailable, and Brice Samba faces a suspension.
when and where to watch om vs rennes
This Sunday, 17 May, the Stade Orange Vélodrome will be the stage for this pivotal Ligue 1 finale. The kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 local time, promising a thrilling evening of football.
broadcast details for the match
The clash between Olympique de Marseille and Stade Rennais will be live on Ligue 1+ 2. Additionally, Ligue 1+ will provide a comprehensive multiplex coverage of all the day’s top fixtures.
