It’s becoming clearer for the play-offs! Two weeks ago, on the occasion of the 25th day of the U19 National Championship, several clubs actually validated their qualification for the final phase. But at the same time, the suspense remains total for others, one day before the end of the 2023-2024 financial year. Update before the 26th and final day this Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12.
Group A
For group A, the matter is now settled! At least, for the identity of the two qualified. This is how the Paris Saint Germain and the LOSC who will compete in the final phase during the month of May. The club from the capital recorded its qualification thanks to an easy success over the red lantern Quevilly-Rouen (5-0), while Lille won a capital derby in Lens (3-1). Respectively first and second, PSG and the northern club can no longer be caught at the top of the ranking. Separated by two points, the two rivals will now battle it out on the final day to define the order. This May 12, Paris is expected at Valenciennes (7th) while Lille will face Amiens (3rd).
Group B
Who to accompany theAJ Auxerre ? While the Burgundian club, undisputed leader of the group, has validated its qualification for a while now, the suspense remains for the identity of the second qualifier. Everything will be played out betweenOlympique Lyonnaissecond, and the RC Strasbourg, third with two units less. The two teams were also battling in the Rhône two weeks ago, for a match that looked like a final. But no one ultimately came out a winner from the clash (0-0), except OL, who kept their destiny in hand before concluding with a trip to Metz (7th) this weekend. For its part, Racing will have to win at all costs against Orléans (6th) while hoping for a misstep from Les Gones.
Group C
Here too, the suspense is total since three teams are still in the running for only two places. THE Rennais Stadium (1st, 54 pts), the FC Nantes (2nd, 54 pts) and the FC Lorient (3rd, 53 pts) all three are within one point with one day remaining. Everyone did not give up on the last day, winning respectively against Avranches (1-0), Bordeaux (4-0) and Angers (1-0). Everything will now be decided on the last episode on May 12. The Rennes leader has the cards in hand to conclude the exercise in the lead, with a trip to Vertou (13th), already relegated. For its part, Nantes, semi-finalist of the Youth League, will have to play against a team from Châteauroux (11th) in the fight for survival. Finally, Lorient will have to face a formation from Concarneau (12th) in bad shape and almost doomed.
Group D
Finally, in pool D, Marseille Olympic validated his ticket for the final phase. And as a leader! Thanks to its victory over Toulouse two weeks ago (3-1), the Marseille City club can no longer be caught at the top of the ranking. It now remains to be seen who will accompany OM. Because behind, the battle rages. Montpellier (2nd, 43 pts), Rodez (3rd, 43 pts) or even Air-Bel (4th, 40 pts) are in the fight. Swept by Monaco (0-3) during the 25th day but still in good shape, the MHSC will have to perform against Nice (7th) on May 12. For his part, Rodez will have to perform at Saint-Étienne (5th) while hoping for a poor performance from the Héraultais. Finally, the operation seems perilous for Air-Bel which, by crossing its fingers that its two competitors miss out, will have to pay for the scalp of OM.
The play-offs at the moment
So what would the playoffs look like if we stopped there? A few weeks ago, the French Football Federation (FFF) unveiled the draw for the final phase. The program for the quarter-finals looks like this:
– Quarter-final 1: 1st group A – 2nd group B
– Quarter-final 2: 1st group C vs 2nd group D
– Quarter-final 3: 1st group D vs 2nd group A
– Quarter-final 4: 1st group B vs 2nd group C
Right now, with one day to go, this is what the next round would virtually look like based on the current standings:
– Quarter-final 1: Paris Saint-Germain vs Olympique Lyonnais
– Quarter-final 2: Stade Rennais vs Montpellier HSC
– Quarter-final 3: Olympic Marseille vs LOSC
– Quarter-final 4: AJ Auxerre – FC Nantes
(*in bold: they are certain to occupy this place)
So nice posters. But still very far from being fixed! As a reminder, the final of the U19 National Championship is scheduled for Sunday June 16 at the Stade de Pestourie in Brive-la-Gaillarde.
To sum up
The 25th day of the U19 Championship was an opportunity for some clubs to validate their qualification for the play-offs. For others, everything remains to be done. The point before the 26th day this weekend.
