# Paris Saint-Germain Triumphs in Ligue 1, Lens and Marseille Claim Champions League Qualifications, Nantes Declines in the First Round of the European Cup

The 2022-23 French football season has been nothing short of dramatic, with thrilling performances and surprising results across the top tiers of the game. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) once again proved their dominance by securing the Ligue 1 title with ease, while Lens and Marseille made history by qualifying for the Champions League, but Nantes saw their European journey cut short in the first round of the European Cup.

## Paris Saint-Germain: Ligue 1 Champions

PSG’s reign at the top of French football continued this season, as they comfortably clinched the Ligue 1 title with a league-best 82 points. Manager Christophe Galtier masterminded a star-studded squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Mbappé’s former teammate, Lionel Messi. The Parisians won the league by a significant margin, finishing 21 points ahead of second-place Marseille. Their attacking prowess, solid defense, and consistency throughout the season were key factors in their success.

## Lens and Marseille Secure Champions League Spots

While PSG celebrated their Ligue 1 triumph, two other French clubs, Lens and Marseille, etched their names into the history books by qualifying for the prestigious Champions League. For Lens, this is their first ever appearance in Europe’s premier competition, marking a remarkable turnaround after their relegation in 2020. Manager Franck Huetzge worked wonders with a young and hungry squad, securing a top-four finish in Ligue 1 and a dramatic victory over Nîmes Olympique in the playoffs. Their qualification was a testament to their resilience and belief.

Marseille, on the other hand, returned to the Champions League after a three-season absence. The Violes, under manager Pablo Longoria, narrowly avoided relegation the previous season but bounced back in style. A late winner against Montpellier in the playoffs sent them to Europe, much to the delight of their fans. Marseille’s journey is a story of redemption, and their performance in the Champions League will be closely watched.

## Nantes’ Disappointment in the European Cup

In contrast to the success stories of PSG, Lens, and Marseille, Nantes’ European adventure ended in the first round of the European Cup. The Canaries, who had reached the final of the Europa Conference League last season, were hoping to build on that momentum. However, they were drawn against a strong Real Madrid side and suffered a 2-0 defeat. While Nantes showed flashes of their attacking prowess, their defensive vulnerabilities proved too much to handle. Their exit marks the end of a promising season, but the club will look to regroup and challenge again in the future.

## Conclusion

The 2022-23 season in French football has been a season of triumphs and heartbreaks. Paris Saint-Germain continue to set the standard, while Lens and Marseille have rewritten history with their Champions League qualifications. Nantes, despite their early exit from Europe, have reasons to be optimistic for the future. As the season draws to a close, fans across the country will reflect on a season of unforgettable moments and look forward to what’s next.