Lionel Messi scored a goal as Paris St Germain clinched a record-breaking 11th Ligue 1 title with one game to spare after a mediocre 1-1 draw at Racing Strasbourg on Saturday. The result put PSG on 85 points, four ahead of RC Lens, who secured second place and a place in next season's Champions League first time in 21 years. They defeated AC Ajaccio by 3-0 in a boiling-hot Bollaert-Delelis stadium.
"Everything was not perfect, but this title belongs to the players. Being French champions is always something," said coach Christophe Galtier. "From a personal point of view, I appreciate it a lot." When asked about his future at the club after one season in charge, Galtier said: "I've been reading a lot of things here and there but there is a difference between what's being written and what's happening."
What happened in the 37th gameweek of Ligue 1
Olympique de Marseille will finish third after being left with 73 points following a 2-1 home defeat by Stade Brestois. Lille are fourth on 66 points after a couple of Jonathan David penalties. He gave them a 2-1 home win against relegation-threatened Nantes. The fourth-placed team qualified for the Europa League group stage, where they will join French Cup winners Toulouse.
In Strasbourg, Messi opened the scoring with a right-footed effort into the top corner after collecting Mbappe's pass in the area. Strasbourg had their chances but failed to convert as they secured their place in the elite for next season. Troyes, Ajaccio, and Angers were already relegated. They will play in Ligue 2 in place of either AJ Auxerre or Nantes.
Lens booked their ticket for Europe's premium club competition as Lois Openda became the club's top scorer with 20 goals. Openda scored the third goal with a penalty after Machado and Thomasson put the hosts ahead in the first half.
"It puts me right up there with a club legend, I'm so happy," said Belgium striker Openda. "We did it all together, we were so strong at home this season," said Lens defender Kevin Danso.