Endorse

While PSG, AS Monaco, and Olympique Marseille are fighting for the title, some other less-publicized Ligue 1 sides are stealthily preparing their continental campaigns. Through sensible signings, tactical innovation, and the tail-end of good form, these mid-table teams aspire to close the gap to the Europa League or Europa Conference League. Here, we highlight four clubs whose elusive 2025 goals are to stay well clear of relegation.

RC Strasbourg Alsace: Re-Entering the European Scene

Strasbourg’s comeback under manager Julien Stéphan has been one of the heartwarming story of feel-good factor in Ligue 1. After struggling with relegation battles in previous years, the Alsace club achieved a comfortable mid-table position in 2024. The club also demonstrated a renewed defensive solidity by conceding significantly fewer goals than their recent league average. Their recruitment has focused on building the backline with a spark of creativity in midfield, and the summer signings of a right-back from Ligue 2 and a number 10 on loan have already made an impact. Most importantly, the club’s 4-2-3-1 disciplined style enables wing-backs to overload the wide areas, providing not just width, but sufficient manpower to dominate during attacks. Should Strasbourg manage to maintain their home form at the Stade de la Meinau—one of the joint-fewest goals conceded home stadiums last season among mid-table teams—they could potentially qualify for Europe for the first time since 2019.

Toulouse FC: Generating Momentum Under Philippe Montanier  

After an astonishing rise through the divisions, Toulouse have settled into Ligue 1 life with remarkable ease. Montanier’s side incorporated a tough defensive block along with quick counterattacks to round off the 2024 season with an eighth place finish, just missing out on continental competition. A major component of Toulouse’s plan is their academy which is rich in talent and provides the first team with technically proficient midfielders who are adept at quick interchanges. Offensively, they depend on a veteran striker who claimed twelve goals in the past season and a powerful winger who smartly sprinted behind defensive lines. This summer, Toulouse have added a box-to-box midfielder from La Liga which further strengthens their depth and maintained their core under long-term contracts. With one of the traditional powerhouses as the opening day fixture, a positive result can create some momentum for a strong attempt to break into the top seven. Looking at how Toulouse tend to pick up points away from home—where most mid-table teams struggle—alongside their blend of youth and experience, makes them one of the most credible European contenders in Ligue 1.

FC Lorient: Harnessing the Talents of the Atlantic Coast

Fighting to the middle of the leaderboard, the team averaged 1.6 goals per game, the highest among mid-table teams. Despite the majesty of their budget, they managed to secure ninth place in 2024 due to an eye-catching offensive record. Striker Lorient’s South American and West African scouting network managed to achieve edgar’s innovative midfielder from last season’s breakout loan. During the offseason, Lorient helped themselves by boasting two academy graduates and a crafty veteran scooped on a free transfer. If they tighten up on the counter and maintain fitness, loser effortless towering and style into Europa Conference League spots. Their 4-3-3 formation with possession turns into a narrow diamond, overwhelming compact defenses and cultivating versatility on the extreme: full backs not only invert into midfield, they overload central zones.

Stade Brestois 29: Ambitious Tactical Evolution

Under Eric Roy’s management, Brest adopted a more proactive strategy as opposed to defensive. After several seasons battling relegation, Roy shifted to a 3-4-3, offering more defensive solidity while maintaining a high-pressing front. This yielded a 10th place finish in 2024, as Brest was enjoying one of the highest expected-goals (xG) tallies among mid-table clubs. Their recruitment now aims on increasing width and set-piece threat: adding an international wing-back noted for his crosses and a dominant center-forward has made Brest deadly from crosses. Most importantly, the club’s newly-gained belief enables them to press higher, win the ball early, and drive the ball forward quickly. Brest is still inconsistent against rigid low-block teams, but their willingness to control the game, even against top six sides, is promising for their European hopes. A good start to the season, especially on their home turf, Le Stade Francis-Le Blé, can help them qualify for Europe for the first time in the club’s history.