Seven-time Ligue 1 champions Monaco were relegated from the top flight as they lost 2-0 at home to Lyon on a desperate night at Stade Louis II.
Going into one of the most complicated and tight final-day battles in recent memory knowing they effectively needed to win to stand any chance of surviving, Laurent Banide`s men were locked at 0-0 at half-time and still in with a chance.
But, when Pape Malickou Diakhate put Lyon ahead after pouncing on a loose ball in the box with 22 minutes left, the writing was on the wall.
And, as hope began to disappear, Lisandro Lopez hammered the final nail into their coffin with an 82nd-minute clincher.
The visitors, needing the win to secure third spot and a shot at next season's Champions League, started well and Jimmy Briand shot wide when well set.
Then it was Monaco's chance to attack, with Georgie Welcome playing a one-two with Park Chu-young before volleying off target.
Lisandro then released Cesar Delgado who played in Briand, but he sliced wide, before Delgado spooned wide.
As the game creeped into the second half the tension was rising, and Monaco's Chris Malonga slammed in a fizzing shot that Hugo Lloris clawed away.
Then, with 68 minutes on the clock, the home fans fell silent as Lyon struck a lethal blow.
A Kim Kallstrom free-kick from the edge of the box hit the wall, the loose ball fell to Maxime Gonalons and, after Sebastien Chabbert superbly beat his effort away, Diakhate had the simplest of finishes from close range.
Monaco could not find a way through, and their fate was decided when Lisandro thumped home a stunning volley from just inside the area.