The Football Championship League (Ligue 1) is one of the most prestigious leagues in French football, with teams from different cities across France competing for promotion to the top tier. In recent years, there have been several notable instances where teams from the same city avoided relegation or were relegated due to relegation battles.
One such instance was the battle between Lille and Lorient in the 2019-2020 season. The two teams had previously faced each other in the Coupe de France final but lost both matches, which ultimately led to Ligue 1 relegation for both clubs. Despite this setback, Lille and Lorient were able to avoid relegation by finishing third and second respectively, respectively, in their respective divisions.
Another example came in the 2017-2018 season when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lyon were unable to avoid relegation. PSG finished third in the league, while Lyon finished fourth, which led to PSG being promoted to the top division after a three-year wait. This marked the first time that a team from the same city had successfully avoided relegation.
In terms of the situation at Nantes, the club has struggled throughout its history, failing to reach the Champions League and the Europa League. However, it managed to avoid relegation by finishing fifth in the league last season, which saw the club qualify for the UEFA Cup. This achievement was enough to earn Nantes promotion back to the top tier.
Similarly, Ajaccio and Angers were also able to avoid relegation by finishing third and second respectively in their respective divisions in the 2018-2019 season. Both teams had struggled during their previous seasons, but they were able to avoid relegation by reaching the semi-finals of the Coup d'Etat in 2018 and then qualifying for the UEFA Europa League in 2019.
Overall, the relegation battles in Ligue 1 are a testament to the competitiveness and determination of the clubs involved. These battles highlight the importance of good preparation, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. By avoiding relegation, these teams demonstrate their resilience and commitment to playing at the highest level of football.