Despite an injury to Neymar and speculation over Lionel Messi's future, Kylian Mbappe has driven Paris Saint-Germain to the brink of a Ligue 1 title defence, and they are edging closer to retaining the trophy.
PSG sit atop the standings, holding a six-point cushion above the rest of the league. Should they win, it would be PSG's third straight league title and ninth in the past 11 years.
It seemed for some time after consecutive defeats to Rennes and Lyon in early April that their spot at the top of the table would be in peril, but they have recovered well to fight off their rivals.
It's been a difficult season for Christophe Galtier overall, knocked out of the Champions League and Coupe de France earlier than desired. Yet the league title should give the Parisians some respite from the jeers.
MORE: Lionel Messi stats, goals, assists, and more for the 2022/23 season with PSG and Argentina
Ligue 1 table, standings
PSG currently hold an six-point lead over the rest of Ligue 1, and are charging towards the top flight title.
Lens and Marseille are jumbled in second and third, the only clubs that are still within reach. PSG's task is to remain on track in the run-in.
Ligue 1 table
Updated as of Sunday, May 21, 2023.
| Pos | Team | Points | Matches Played | Goals Scored | Goal Difference | Next Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | PSG | 84 | 36 | 86 | +50 | @ Strasbourg, May 27 |
| 2. | Lens | 78 | 36 | 62 | +34 | vs. Ajaccio, May 27 |
| 3. | Marseille | 73 | 36 | 66 | +28 | vs. Brest, May 27 |
PSG remaining Ligue 1 fixtures
| Date | Time (GMT / ET) | Opponent | Home/ Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, May 27 | 20:00 / 15:00 | Strasbourg | A |
| Fri, Jun. 3 | 20:00 / 15:00 | Clermont Foot | H |
When can PSG confirm Ligue 1 title?
With two matches remaining, second-placed Lens have a maximum possible point total of 84. Thus, to secure the title, PSG need to reach 85 points to ensure themselves of mathematical confirmation.
With PSG sitting on 84 points at the moment, they only need one more point, to win the 2022/23 Ligue 1 title.
PSG can clinch the title on their visit to Strasbourg on May 27 if they avoid defeat at the Stade de la Meinau.
When did PSG last fail to win Ligue 1 title
PSG have maintained significant dominance over the French top flight over the past decade. They won their first league title in 1986, and again in 1994, but they have won most of their league championships over the past 10 years.
Since 2013, PSG have won eight Ligue 1 titles, failing to win only in 2016/17 and 2020/21, the latter of which came two years ago as Lille pipped the crown by a single point. Burak Yilmaz and Jonathan David combined for 29 league goals to see LOSC to the championship.
That 2020/21 season saw PSG lose eight matches across the league campaign, including dropping games against other top-tier rivals Lens, Marseille, Monaco (twice), Lyon, and critically, Lille in early April.
Compare that to this season, where PSG hold a significant lead atop the table, having only lost five league matches all year long.
