Ligue 1 Highlights: PSG Triumphs in Trophée des Champions, Gary O’Neil Takes Strasbourg Helm, and New DAZN Season Passes

The Ligue 1 scene entered 2026 with memorable moments as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed the Trophée des Champions trophy in an electrifying clash against Olympique de Marseille (OM) held in Kuwait. The match, broadcast on Ligue 1+, attracted an average of 903,000 viewers and showcased the fierce rivalry that captivates football fans across France and beyond. After a hard-fought 2-2 draw, PSG triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shootout, asserting their dominance in French football early this year. According to Médiamétrie, the game peaked at 1.2 million viewers, with 1.8 million following the match in total, underscoring the high interest surrounding the fixture.

PSG's Derby Victory and Emerging Stars

Following the Trophée des Champions, PSG continued their strong form in Ligue 1 with a notable 2-1 victory over their city rivals, Paris FC, in the first Paris derby at Parc des Princes since 1990. French talents Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé played pivotal roles; both found the net to secure a crucial win for Luis Enrique’s side. Doué opened the scoring just before halftime, demonstrating his readiness to step up in big games: "On a envie de manger chaque trophée qu'on a devant nous," he declared, reflecting PSG’s hunger for silverware. Dembélé, returning to a starting position, followed with a goal early in the second half, sealing the win and propelling PSG to just one point behind league leaders Lens.

Despite Paris FC's disciplined defensive effort, PSG's quality was decisive and underscored the gulf between the two capital clubs, who also face each other in the upcoming Coupe de France round. The victory marked PSG’s third straight league win and reinforced their status as title contenders, distancing themselves from Marseille, who lost to Nantes the same weekend.

Gary O’Neil Appointed Coach of Strasbourg

In club news, RC Strasbourg made a significant change on the sidelines by hiring Gary O’Neil as their new head coach. The former Premier League midfielder and manager, with 88 top-flight matches in England under his belt between Bournemouth and Wolverhampton, replaces Liam Rosenior, who left for Chelsea. At 42 years old, O’Neil brings a modern coaching approach and high ambitions to the Alsace club. He remarked, "Je suis fier de rejoindre ce club incroyable et j’ai hâte de débuter," emphasizing his enthusiasm and respect for Strasbourg’s passionate fanbase and history. The club’s president, Marc Keller, expressed confidence in the appointment, citing O’Neil's demanding nature and continuity with the club’s sporting project as key positives.

DAZN Revolutionizes Access to Ligue 1 and European Football

Beyond the pitch, fans eager to follow the remainder of the Ligue 1 season now have exciting viewing options thanks to DAZN’s latest offerings. The streaming platform introduced Mid-Season Passes that provide access not only to the rest of the Ligue 1 campaign but also extend through August 2026. The base Ligue 1+ Pass, priced at €89, grants access to all fixtures of the league’s latter half, including promotion/relegation playoffs and the opening day of the 2026-2027 season. For €10 more, subscribers can benefit from a bundled Pass that combines Ligue 1+ with DAZN’s broader football coverage — featuring Serie A, Copa del Rey, Eredivisie, the Saudi Pro League, and more — plus top French basketball through the Betclic Elite league. This offer, valid until February 15, allows viewers to catch marquee matches like the upcoming PSG vs OM league clash on February 8, enhancing the football-watching experience for French fans.

As Ligue 1 intensifies its battle for supremacy with thrilling matches, tactical evolutions, and managerial shifts, supporters are well-positioned to witness an exhilarating second half of the season backed by robust broadcasting innovations and star performances. PSG’s early successes suggest a fiercely competitive race ahead, while the energy surrounding clubs like Strasbourg hints at fascinating storylines unfolding through the campaign.