French league

Ligue 1 Heats Up: After Four Matchweeks, What’s Next?

PSG - Toulouse 6-3

The 2025-26 Ligue 1 season is gathering pace. After four rounds of matches since August 15, the league has already seen some big wins, surprising results, and early standout performers. With the fifth round of matches due September 19-21, fans have plenty of storylines to follow.

What’s Already Emerged

One of the most eye-catching results so far is the highest-scoring game: Paris Saint-Germain crushed Toulouse 6-3 on August 30, a wild game full of attacking play. Also notable was Lorient’s convincing 4-0 win over Rennes on August 24, one of the bigger home wins in that early period. These results have underlined PSG’s firepower but also shown that several teams can put up goals.

Marseille’s first four games have been mixed: with two wins and two losses, they’ve scored 9 goals and conceded 4. Their goal average per match is well above the league average, showing attacking promise, especially in home games. However, defensive lapses remain an issue.

Several players have already emerged as early leaders in the scoring charts. Ilan Kebbal, João Neves, Joaquín Panichelli, Frank Magri, and Bradley Barcola all sit on three goals each. Their sharp starts underline the attacking depth across the league and suggest that this season’s race for the golden boot could be wide open.

Changes That Could Shift Momentum

There have been no major managerial shake-ups since the season started, though as usual some pressure is building on clubs without strong early results. Also important is disciplinary change: a simpler rule for automatic suspensions has been introduced this season. Its effect may appear as we move into more tightly contested matches when card accumulation becomes a factor.

Transfers from the summer are settling in—players leading the scoring charts are among those who have been able to adapt, which bodes well for their clubs. Teams with deeper squads are benefiting, especially where early injuries or fatigue have tested them.

What to Expect September 19-21

This weekend’s matches could sharpen the picture of which clubs are serious challengers and which are still adjusting. Teams that have started poorly will be desperate to collect points. Those who’ve shown attacking strengths will aim to continue pressing forward and try to fix defensive issues.

The biggest clash of the weekend comes when PSG face Marseille, a fixture that always delivers drama and intensity. With both sides among the highest scorers so far, the match is expected to be fast-paced and could give an early indication of how the title race may take shape.

Final Thoughts

After four rounds, attacking talent and goal-scoring ability are clearly proving critical. The weekend ahead offers a chance for some teams to build momentum and for others to arrest slumps. Expect goals, some drama, and possibly a few shock results that may influence how the rest of the campaign unfolds.