Top 5 Most Surprising Ligue 1 Autumn Champions of the 21st Century
As the RC Lens dominates Ligue 1 this season but has yet to secure the autumn championship, a look back reveals the most surprising autumn champions of the 21st century. Since 1975, only 42% of teams leading at the halfway mark have gone on to win the league. Notably, since the 2010/2011 season when LOSC Lille achieved this feat, no team but Paris Saint-Germain has won both titles consecutively.
Top Surprising Ligue 1 Autumn Champions of the 21st Century
1. RC Lens – 2001/2002
RC Lens began the 2001/2002 season strongly, winning crucial matches against top teams like Olympique Lyonnais. They dominated the standings from the second week of the season until late November. Despite holding the top spot for over half the season, they faced a disappointing downturn and ended in a tense battle, finishing just two points behind Lyon.
2. Bordeaux – 2008/2009
Having previously won numerous trophies, Bordeaux’s squad was full of optimism at the start of the 2008/2009 season. After a successful start, they finished the autumn at the top. However, a series of defeats followed their Champions League quarterfinal loss, leading to a dramatic fall to sixth place by season’s end.
3. OGC Nice – 2016/2017
Under the management of Lucien Favre, OGC Nice surprised many, finishing the autumn season in first place. The team struggled with consistency in the return phase but managed to secure a podium finish. Notably, Mario Balotelli emerged as one of the key players, scoring 17 goals throughout the season.
4. Olympique Lyonnais – 2020/2021
Lyon’s campaign began poorly, yet they found form mid-season, surging to the top of the table by December. However, despite a promising run, they faltered at the end, finishing fourth after a series of lackluster performances.
5. Olympique de Marseille – 2013/2014
Marseille’s transformation under Marcelo Bielsa was striking. They topped the table at the halfway mark, but inconsistencies plagued their second half, leading to a fourth-place finish. Key player André-Pierre Gignac had a standout season, scoring 21 goals.
Conclusion
Despite promising starts, these teams exemplify the unpredictable nature of Ligue 1. The challenge of maintaining form over an entire season often proves daunting, even for those who excel in the autumn months.
