MC Alger secured their ninth Algerian Ligue 1 title following a tense 0–0 draw against NC Magra at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers on Saturday, closing out the 30th and final matchday of the 2024–25 season.
Despite the stalemate, the solitary point was enough for MCA to be crowned champions, while simultaneously condemning NC Magra to relegation.
Needing just one point to secure the championship, MCA adopted a cautious approach, wary of jeopardising their title hopes.
Their conservative tactics ultimately paid off, as they avoided risks in a match devoid of attacking intensity.
Both sides lacked cutting edge in the first half and returned from the break with more attacking intent.
However, a combination of defensive resilience and missed opportunities ensured the match finished goalless.
While the result delighted MCA fans, it spelled heartbreak for NC Magra.
With survival within reach at the start of the day, they failed to capitalise on their final opportunity and now join US Biskra in dropping to Ligue 2 next season.
Elsewhere, JS Kabylie claimed the runner-up spot and secured qualification for the CAF Champions League after edging ASO Chlef 1–0 in Tizi-Ouzou.
Réda Benchaâ’s clinical finish in the 15th minute proved decisive.
JSK’s victory was made even sweeter by CR Belouizdad’s inability to defeat Olympique Akbou.
Their goalless draw meant Chabab were leapfrogged by the Canaries on the final day.
In another pivotal encounter, Paradou AC’s hopes of a top-four finish were dashed following a shock 3–1 home defeat to ES Mostaganem.
Needing a win to guarantee survival, Mostaganem produced one of the day’s standout performances, completing their great escape at the expense of NC Magra.
USM Khenchela also ended their campaign on a high, defeating MC El Bayadh 1–0 thanks to a late goal in the 78th minute. The result ensured a positive finish in front of home supporters.
Friday’s early fixtures offered little in terms of league ramifications but delivered some notable performances.
ES Sétif ended a five-game losing streak with a 1–0 win over already relegated US Biskra, while MC Oran dismantled a weakened USM Alger side 4–0.
USMA, resting key players ahead of the Algerian Cup final, were soundly beaten.
Meanwhile, JS Saoura extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 2–2 draw away at CS Constantine.
The result was enough to see them finish fourth with 43 points, just shy of the podium. Constantine, on the other hand, dropped to 10th after an inconsistent campaign.
The 2024–25 Ligue 1 season concluded with drama, joy, and despair, as MC Alger reclaimed domestic glory while others fell agonisingly short of their objectives.
