Both Rennes and Nice have confirmed their place in the UEFA Champions League next season, after finishing fifth and sixth respectively in the French top flight. The result comes as no surprise given both teams' impressive performances this season, which saw them finish within touching distance of the summit.
For Rennes, it's a well-deserved victory, having won 24 out of their 38 games in Ligue 1, including 11 away victories, to earn promotion from Ligue 2 last season. Their performance was particularly notable considering they were managed by former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal during his time at the club.
Similarly, Nice's journey to Europe has been just as impressive, with the team securing second place in the league behind Paris Saint-Germain, despite being managed by former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. The team's success has been built on a strong defensive unit that allowed them to keep only five goals in their final nine matches of the season, helping them secure a comfortable lead over their rivals for European football.
The fact that both teams have qualified for the Champions League is a testament to the strength of the French leagues and the quality of the players and managers involved. It also highlights the importance of domestic competition in nurturing talent and building national teams capable of competing against the best in Europe. With the likes of Rennes and Nice already established in Europe, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the French leagues fare in future seasons.