For the first time since 2002, the French Ligue 1 is too close to call with two games remaining. Olympique Lyon, the incumbent now for six years running, maintains a slender two-point lead over second-place Bordeaux. Among the other intriguing storylines: Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has a shot at the title in his first year; Lyon coach Alain Perrin is on course for the club’s first-ever league and cup double-but he could be fired if the team fails to win a trophy; also, Ligue 1 giant Paris Saint Germain could win both domestic cups and still be relegated to Ligue 2 next season.
“There are a lot of nerves, all the teams are playing for something,” Blanc told the AP. His team has staged a remarkable charge on Lyon’s lead, which, just six rounds ago, looked to be an insurmountable nine points. Still, Lyon will retain its title this weekend if Bordeaux loses to Sochaux and Lyon beats visiting Nancy. If results go the other way, Bordeaux would take a one-point lead into the final round. At the same stage last season, Lyon had a 20-point lead over second-place Marseille.