After an intense final day of the Ligue 1 season, Nice’s hopes of automatic survival were dashed in dramatic fashion. The Nicéens managed only a scoreless draw against bottom-placed Metz at the Allianz Riviera, leaving them in 16th position and facing a high-stakes relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne.

Mixed fortunes on the final matchday

While Nice faltered, their direct rivals for survival delivered strong performances. Auxerre pulled off a remarkable 2-0 victory at Lille, with Lassine Sinayoko stepping up as the hero, scoring twice to secure his team’s Ligue 1 status. Meanwhile, Le Havre triumphed 2-0 at Lorient, ensuring their top-flight survival with a match-winning display.

The playoff showdown awaits

Nice now faces a two-legged playoff against Saint-Étienne on May 26 and 29, just days after the Coupe de France final. The first leg will be played at Geoffroy-Guichard, with the return match at the Allianz Riviera. The stakes couldn’t be higher—one slip could see the Aiglons relegated to Ligue 2.

Sinayoko shines as Auxerre and Le Havre secure safety

Sinayoko’s brace against Lille was the highlight of the day, marking his 11th and 12th league goals of the season. His late strikes ensured Auxerre leapfrogged Nice in the standings, while Le Havre’s win at Lorient, courtesy of an own goal and a penalty miss by Lorient’s Bamba Dieng, sealed their top-flight survival.