This would be the first time in a long time that French champions Olympique Lyon did not win the title before the season ended. This year around, Lyon had to wait until the final game before they can claim the French title.

They won their last game against Auxerre 3-1 to give them their 7^th consecutive title. They still have one game to go, which is the French Cup where they will be playing for the domestic double against Paris St Germain.

Since winning the title in 2002, they have been able to wrap up the championship prior to the last game but this season has been way different from the last six. In march, they were 9 points ahead from their then closest contender Bordeaux but find themselves just 2 points ahead with a drop in form in their next 5 games.

The point difference maintained until the final game which they won while Bordeaux only managed a draw with Lens. Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas who has been instrumental in making the club a strong force not only domestically but in the region as well said that “I admit that this seventh title was the hardest to win. It was an extraordinary championship. We end up with nearly 80 points and we beat our record goal tally (with 74).'

He was disappointed though that the team fail to impress in the European stage and would now be aware of the newly charged Bordeaux team under Laurent Blanc who might pose a bigger challenge next year. “Bordeaux could have and maybe should have become the champions.”

Much of their drop in form would perhaps be due to injury but even with all their players back match fit, coach Alain Perrin could not come up with a winning plan. That did not go to well with Aulas who has yet to determine what is to happen to their coach come next season.

Perrin has since said that ”The answer to the question on whether I will still be the Lyon coach next season does not belong to me. All I know is I have a contract.”