A pivotal Ligue 1 clash between RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain has been moved from its original date in April to mid-May. The decision, confirmed by the league’s governing body, is intended to afford PSG additional preparation time ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Liverpool.
The fixture, which could have significant implications for the championship, was initially set for April 11th. It will now be played on May 13th, just days before the final matchday of the domestic season. PSG currently holds a narrow one-point advantage over Lens at the summit of the table.
Reports indicate that Lens officials expressed strong reservations about the rescheduling. The club reportedly argued against the precedent of domestic calendars being altered to suit the European commitments of select teams.
In a statement, the league authority defended the move, citing a strategic objective to maintain France’s standing in UEFA’s coefficient rankings. This ranking determines the number of Champions League slots allocated to each nation, with France currently positioned to secure four places.
In a related adjustment, the match between Brest and Strasbourg, originally slated for April 12th, has also been postponed to May 13th. This change is to assist Strasbourg in their preparations for a UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final encounter.
PSG is scheduled to host Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League fixture on April 8th, with the return leg in England following on April 14th.
