​

On Saturday, the Gym will conclude its season in Lyon, in a battle with an awful lot at stake (kick-off at 9pm). Against a Lyon side looking to secure its place in the Champions League and the Niçois will be looking to get a place in the C3. What are the different possible scenarios for this Week 38 of Ligue 1? Challenge, competitors, rules: we cover it all. 

Battle with Bordeaux and Saint-Étienne 

If they win...  

The first scenario - the preferred one - sees the Gym, at the very first, in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League (Q2) if they win at Parc OL. Three more points will definitely secure the 6th place which Lucien Favre’s side currently occupy heading into Week 38, and could even allow the Aiglons to overtake Stade Rennais, if they fall at home to Montpellier. Very unlikely, but mathematically possible. 

It is worth noting that if there is a perfect tie, the two sides will be separated by their previous results against each other this year*. This would work in the Aiglons’ favour (a 0-1 win and a 1-1 draw against SRFC in L1).

If it is a draw...

It’s with this second possibility that the calculators will be needed. It will also mean that the Gym’s destiny is no longer in its own hands. Mathematically, one point will allow the Gym to reach the 55 points mark. This total would put the club “at striking distance” from Bordeaux, who are currently 2 points behind heading into this final game. If the Girondins win whilst  the Lyonnais and Niçois draw, it will come down to goal difference (+2 for the Gym, +1 for Bordeaux). A game that even Saint-Etienne could get involved with (52 points, - 8 goal difference).

In terms of direct confrontations, the Gym would also come out on top (1-0 win and a 0-0 against FCGB in L1; a 1-0 win and a 0-1 defeat against ASSE).

In case of defeat...

This final scenario would put the Azuréens at the mercy of their direct competitors. It’s worth noting that a defeat for Nice combined with any other result than a win for Bordeaux or Saint-Étienne would lead to a 6th place finish for the Gym. On the other hand, if one of the others were to win, Lucien Favre’s side would be overtaken by the side that won. 

---