Despite protests, Ligue 1 is doing PSG a favor over Lens

After just under 27 rounds of the French championship, the gap between leaders Paris Saint-Germain and second-placed RC Lens is only one point — with the Parisians having a game in hand. It’s hard to expect the reigning champions not to withstand the pressure and defend the title, but Lens have certainly made this season far more exciting than the previous one (and several before it), when the big-spending PSG dominated. For that alone, they deserve respect. However, the latest decision by Ligue 1 officials suggests they didn’t quite get it.

Perhaps the league’s leadership acted in the national interest by postponing matches involving PSG and RC Strasbourg due to important European fixtures, but at the same time, they showed — especially to Lens — that they value them less. PSG had already seen their match against FC Nantes postponed to better prepare for their Champions League clash with Chelsea FC. Now, their big away derby against Lens has also been rescheduled, as it was originally set for April 11 — right between their two quarterfinal matches against Liverpool FC.

Patriotic or crazy? Lens ready to postpone crucial clash with PSG so Parisians would rest for Liverpool

Meanwhile, Strasbourg were supposed to face Stade Brestois 29 on April 12, which falls between their Conference League quarterfinal ties against 1. FSV Mainz 05. Considering Brest’s position in the table (mid-table, safely away from both relegation and European qualification spots), the extra rest likely won’t bother them. Unlike Lens, who opposed postponing the derby as soon as PSG submitted the request. The protests from northern France were ignored, and Ligue 1 officially confirmed the postponements on Thursday. For years, PSG haven’t had real competition domestically, and it’s clear they possess a deeper and higher-quality squad than Lens. Still, they didn’t want to take any risks. From a neutral perspective, it’s a shame — because a potential Lens win at home, or even a draw, could have extended the title race drama. There’s little doubt, however, that this decision will further motivate Lens to rally together in the final stretch of the season and try to pull off a sensational title win.

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION (UEFA)

Thursday

Path A

22.45: (1.33) Italy (5.25) Northern Ireland (12.0)

22.45: (1.85) Wales (3.50) Bosnia & Herzegovina (5.00)

Path B

22.45: (1.72) Poland (3.50) Albania (5.30)

22.45: (3.25) Ukraine (3.35) Sweden (2.40)

Path C

Turkey - Romania in progress

22.45: (2.30) Slovakia (3.20) Kosovo* (3.60)

Path D

22.45: (2.00) Czech Republic (3.50) Republic of Ireland (4.10)

22.45: (1.23) Denmark (6.00) North Macedonia (14.0)

***odds are subject to change***