### Round 38 Highlights: Ajaccio and Angers Fall to Clermont in Ligue 1; Both Teams Are Relegated
In the latest round of Ligue 1, two top teams were swept aside as Clermont Auvergne secured their place in the Champions League with a convincing victory over Ajaccio and Angers.
#### Ajaccio's Downfall
Ajaccio, the defending champions, faced Clermont Auvergne on Saturday night. The home side looked poised for a strong performance but was unable to capitalize on their opportunities. In a closely contested match, Clermont managed to score twice, with the first goal coming from midfielder Pierre-Etienne Cisse in the 59th minute. The second goal came from substitute forward Mathieu Valbuena in the 77th minute, securing the win for Clermont.
The defeat marked the end of Ajaccio's season, leaving them with only 22 points after 38 matches. This result leaves them in 14th place, which is not far enough up to avoid relegation. The team will now face the challenge of rebuilding their squad and preparing for next season.
#### Angers' Tragic End
Angers, who had been in contention for promotion to the top flight, suffered a similar fate at the hands of Clermont. The visitors dominated possession throughout the game and took control early on. However, it wasn't until the 68th minute that Clermont finally broke through when defender Romain Deschamps scored from a corner kick. The goal proved decisive, as Angers could only manage one consolation goal late in the match from substitute forward Adrien Gueudet.
With the loss, Angers fell to 16th place, leaving them just outside the playoff spots. Their disappointing finish leaves them facing significant challenges to return to the Premier League next season.
#### Impact on Ligue 1
This weekend's results have left Ligue 1 in turmoil, with both Ajaccio and Angers being relegated. These losses have undoubtedly hurt the morale of their respective clubs and fans, as well as the overall league standings. The relegation process is expected to be difficult for both teams, as they will need to rebuild their squads and improve their performances if they want to secure promotion back into the top flight.
#### Next Week's Fixtures
Clermont Auvergne faces Montpellier in a crucial match on Monday, while Ajaccio will travel to Nice to face Lyon. Both games are key to determining whether these teams can secure their remaining places in the league.
Overall, this weekend's fixtures highlight the competitive nature of Ligue 1 and the ongoing struggle for promotion and relegation. With so many teams vying for the coveted top spot, the upcoming weeks will be filled with exciting encounters and potentially some dramatic comebacks.