OGC Nice ensured their place in Ligue 1 for next season by defeating AS Saint-Étienne 4-1 on aggregate in Friday night’s relegation play-off. The decisive second leg took place at the Allianz Riviera behind closed doors after supporters invaded the pitch following the club’s previous home match.
The pressure surrounding the fixture was immense. Nice entered the season competing in the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Champions League, and few expected them to be fighting for survival. Saint-Étienne, meanwhile, arrived hoping to return immediately to the top division after relegation, having managed to keep key players such as Lucas Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili.
The first meeting between the sides produced no shots on target and ended goalless, leaving everything unresolved ahead of the return leg. The contest lived up to its reputation in France as the “Match of Fear,” with both clubs aware of the consequences that awaited the loser.
Saint-Étienne thought they had made the perfect start when Stassin found the net after ten minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside after he redirected Irvin Cardona’s effort beyond Yehvann Diouf.
OGC Nice take control after early warning signs
The visitors continued to threaten through Stassin, who twice came close but failed to direct his attempts on target. Nice gradually settled into the game and began creating opportunities of their own. Elye Wahi struck the post, while Dante and Antoine Mendy both tested the Saint-Étienne defence before the break.
After halftime, the home side increased the pressure, and only goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur prevented them from taking the lead earlier. He produced an impressive double save to deny Kail Boudache and Wahi during the same attack.
The resistance finally ended when Jonathan Clauss connected with a volley to put Nice ahead. The goal reflected the hosts’ growing dominance as they continued to generate the majority of the chances.
Boudache and Wahi remained heavily involved, but Larsonneur repeatedly kept Saint-Étienne in the contest with several important interventions.
Late drama seals Nice’s place in Ligue 1
Saint-Étienne found a route back into the match after a penalty was awarded for a handball by Antoine Mendy. The decision proved controversial, but Davitashvili converted from the spot to restore hope for the visitors.
The closing stages then produced a flurry of action. With ten minutes remaining, Boudache restored Nice’s advantage with a curling finish. His celebration reflected both relief and emotion as the home side moved closer to safety.
Needing goals, Saint-Étienne pushed forward and left gaps at the back. Wahi took advantage of those spaces, breaking through on goal twice and beating Larsonneur on both occasions. The striker, who will depart after the end of his loan spell, effectively ended the contest despite nine minutes of stoppage time being added.
Nice ultimately avoided a disastrous relegation, while Saint-Étienne’s hopes of an immediate return to Ligue 1 came to an end. The defeat could have significant consequences for the club, particularly regarding the future of some of their most valuable players.