Rennes thrashed Strasbourg to move provisionally top of Ligue 1, Monaco failed to break down Lille, and Marseille turned a comfortable 4-0 lead into a nervy 4-3 win. The eight completed Matchday 8 fixtures produced 20 goals. We compare the results with our preview on 888STARZ, with the biggest game of the round — PSG vs Lyon — still to come.
Monaco 1-1 Lille
Ethan Mbappé put Lille ahead in the 24th minute, but the visitors barely threatened after the break. Edan Diop equalised in the 74th minute, shortly after Lille had been reduced to ten men.
Monaco dominated the statistics: 20 shots to four and 2.21–0.68 on xG. They also enjoyed 64% possession but managed to convert just one of their numerous chances.
Our preview highlighted Lille’s defensive strength and Monaco’s poor recent form. Lille avoided defeat again, although the hosts deserved more from the game. Both teams now have 15 points, having missed an opportunity to take the lead in the title race.
Lens 2-1 Paris FC
Paris FC went ahead through Luca Koleosho just before half-time but could not protect their lead. Florian Thauvin equalised in the 64th minute before substitute Thorgan Hazard scored the winner in the 84th.
Lens finished ahead 0.89–0.41 on xG and had nine shots to Paris FC’s four. Chances were limited at both ends, but the hosts were considerably better in the second half.
We had identified Paris FC’s limited away goalscoring record and Lens’ strong home performances as key factors. Both trends held up. Lens now have three consecutive league victories and 13 points, while Paris FC remain on 14.
Rennes 3-0 Strasbourg
Rennes settled the game with a goal from Boulaye Dia and a brace from Sebastian Szymański. The hosts led 2-0 at half-time, and the Polish midfielder completed the scoring in the 61st minute.
Strasbourg actually enjoyed more possession, 53% to 47%, and took 12 shots to Rennes’ 15. But the hosts created the better chances, winning the xG battle 1.59–0.87, and were much more clinical.
Our preview noted how frequently both clubs had been involved in high-scoring matches, as well as Rennes’ eight-game unbeaten home run. That streak continued, this time with a clean sheet. Rennes have 16 points and provisionally lead the table, while Strasbourg have dropped to 16th.
Marseille 4-3 Le Havre
Marseille were 4-0 up by the 55th minute through goals from CJ Egan-Riley, Timothy Weah, Igor Paixão and Imad Abdelli. The game looked over, but Le Havre scored three times in the final 13 minutes and almost completed an extraordinary comeback.
Surprisingly, Le Havre were well ahead on xG, 3.04 to 1.55, and outshot Marseille 21 to 11. Josh Maja scored twice to give the visitors hope, but they ran out of time.
We expected Marseille to continue their scoring run against the bottom club. They certainly delivered in attack, but their defensive problems remain. Marseille climbed to eighth with 12 points, while Le Havre stay bottom.
Brest 1-2 Nice
Ludovic Ajorque gave Brest the lead in the 15th minute. Elye Wahi equalised after half-time, and Sofiane Diop scored the winner in the 83rd.
Brest produced the better chances, leading 1.62–0.47 on xG, but converted only one. Nice managed just two shots on target — and scored from both.
It was Nice’s first away victory of the season following three defeats on the road. They climbed to tenth with 11 points, while Brest remain on nine.
Other Matchday 8 Results
Auxerre and Le Mans drew 1-1. Angers vs Lorient and Toulouse vs Troyes both finished 0-0.
The eight completed matches have produced 20 goals. The final fixture, PSG vs Lyon, is scheduled for 26 October at 8:30 p.m. Paris time.
Ligue 1 Standings After the Completed Matchday 8 Fixtures
Rennes provisionally lead with 16 points, while Lille and Monaco have 15 each. Lyon and PSG are both on 14 points but have played only seven matches, meaning either could finish the round in first place.
At the bottom, Troyes have five points and Le Havre have two, occupying the two automatic relegation positions.
How the Results Compared with Our Preview
Lille’s defensive resilience held up against Monaco, although the hosts created significantly more chances. Lens made home advantage count against Paris FC, while Rennes exploited Strasbourg’s vulnerability after losing possession.
Marseille’s match was the most revealing. They won 4-3 but allowed the bottom-placed team to produce almost twice as much xG.
We did not have verified 888STARZ odds for these fixtures in our original preview. We therefore compare the performances with our pre-match analysis without using prices from other bookmakers.
What Changed Ahead of the Final Fixture
Rennes have moved top, but their stay there could be brief. PSG and Lyon both have 14 points and meet in the final match of the round. The winner will finish Matchday 8 as league leaders.
Monaco and Lille missed their chance to go top, Paris FC suffered their second league defeat, and Marseille recorded a third consecutive victory. Le Havre are still searching for their first win.
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