Ligue 1 2025-2026: Lille arms itself with Giroud and Igamane, ambitious Monaco in Auxerre, Marseille kicks off against Lorient

2025-09-13 · Ligue 1

The fourth matchday of Ligue 1 has begun with special attention on Lille, who are banking on their offensive duo Giroud-Igamane, and Monaco, who travel to Auxerre in a promising duel. Marseille opens the day against Lorient, while the season continues with ambitious teams and new challenges.

The 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season continues at a frenetic pace, with the start of the fourth matchday drawing particular attention from observers and fans of the French championship. After a grueling international break for some clubs, notably Paris Saint-Germain, who will have to do without Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, the focus now shifts to fixtures that define the ambitions of the competing teams.

Lille: An attacking duo finally complete LOSC seems to have found the offensive recipe it had been searching for over several seasons. With the arrival of Olivier Giroud, 38, an experienced player and France’s all-time top scorer, alongside young Hamza Igamane, 22, from Glasgow Rangers, Lille now boasts a balanced attacking pair combining experience and youthful energy. Coach Bruno Genesio emphasized: “Every position is doubled or even tripled in some cases,” and stressed the importance of having two competitive strikers: “This allows us, no matter who starts, to have a strong team from the first whistle of every match.” Both forwards, who have each scored two goals in just two and a half matches, are expected to bolster Lille’s offensive firepower in a packed schedule that includes both Europa League and Ligue 1 commitments.

Monaco vs Auxerre: A clash between ambition and elite return This Saturday at 9:05 PM, a highly anticipated match will take place at the Abbé-Deschamps Stadium, pitting a solid AS Monaco side against newly promoted AJ Auxerre. While Auxerre looks to secure their Ligue 1 status after one win and two losses, Monaco is displaying European ambitions with a deep and well-drilled squad. Currently fourth in the provisional standings with 6 points, Monaco aims to set the pace early in the season. The match will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ligue 1+, also available via the DAZN platform, offering fans comprehensive coverage of the competition.

Marseille kicks off the fourth matchday against Lorient At the Stade Vélodrome, Olympique de Marseille begins Matchday 4 in a charged context, ahead of a demanding September that includes Champions League fixtures and a league clash against PSG. New signing Benjamin Pavard will be a key figure in a match that must inspire confidence in the Marseille camp. Lorient, often a surprise package, will attempt to defy expectations and put up a strong fight against the Phocéan club.

Ligue 1 and its TV innovations For the 2025-2026 season, Ligue 1 is relying on the Ligue 1+ channel to broadcast seven of the eight matches each week, at an attractive price of €14.99 per month with a commitment. The final Saturday match remains on beIN Sports. This flexible and competitive offering also includes special rates for under-26s and a mobile option, catering to the diverse expectations of supporters.

All in all, this start to the season continues to shape the forces at play, with reigning champions Lyon traveling to Rennes, a depleted but still ambitious Paris, and clubs like Lille and Monaco looking to establish themselves firmly at the top of the table. The spectacle promises to deliver in the coming weeks on Ligue 1 pitches.