Final Round in Ligue 1: Ajaccio loses 0-1 to Rennes, relegation likely.

### Final Round in Ligue 1: Ajaccio Loses 0-1 to Rennes, Relegation Likely

The final round of the 2023/24 season in French football's top division has seen Ajaccio face off against Rennes in what could be a pivotal match for both teams' fate. With the stakes high and the outcome uncertain, the match was played on Saturday night at Stade Jean-Marc-Aymard.

#### Match Overview

Ajaccio, known for their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility, found themselves facing a formidable opponent in Rennes. The Côte d'Ivoire-based club had been in strong form this season, finishing in second place in the league standings, while Rennes, despite losing the title to Lyon, remain competitive with a solid record.

#### Key Moments

The opening period saw both sides trading shots but failing to create meaningful opportunities. Ajaccio's goalkeeper, who made several crucial saves, kept the scoreline at 0-0 until the 69th minute. It was then that Rennes capitalized on a mistake from Ajaccio's defense, allowing Rennes forward Nicolas Diop to score the only goal of the game.

#### Impact on League Positions

With the loss, Ajaccio drops to third place in the table, leaving them just one point behind leaders Lyon. This means that if they do not secure a win over a few remaining matches, they will face relegation back to the lower divisions of Ligue 1. Conversely, a victory would lift them out of the relegation zone, although they still need to secure points against Lyon in their final games.

#### Managerial Perspectives

Rennes manager Thierry Dusautoir expressed relief after securing the win, stating, "We knew it would be tough against Ajaccio, but we executed our game plan well. We showed resilience and composure under pressure."

Ajaccio coach Olivier Giroud was disappointed with the result, saying, "It's disappointing, especially considering how close we were to scoring. But we have to move on and focus on our next challenges."

#### Future Outlook

Both clubs now have their eyes set on securing a positive finish to the season. For Ajaccio, it is imperative to avoid further setbacks and ensure they maintain their position in the playoff spots. Meanwhile, Rennes must aim to build momentum and prepare for the upcoming matches against Lyon and other key opponents.

#### Conclusion

The final round in Ligue 1 has provided a stark reminder of the competition within the top tier of French football. Both Ajaccio and Rennes will be eager to turn the tables in their final matches and determine their fate for the remainder of the season. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen which team will emerge as champions of Ligue 1.