The Aiglons refused to accept relegation. OGC Nice secured their Ligue 1 status with a commanding 3-1 playoff victory over AS Saint-Étienne at the Allianz Riviera on Friday 29 May. After a dull 0-0 draw in the first leg, the Niçois dominated a far more exciting return fixture, powered by a late strike from teenager Kail Boudache (19 years old, 81st minute), who equalized from the penalty spot just two minutes after Saint-Étienne’s equalizer from Zuriko Davitashvili.

Elye Wahi then sealed the win with a brace in the dying minutes (87th and 90+2nd minutes), completing a dramatic turnaround that delighted the players, coaching staff, and the entire stadium. Finishing 16th in the regular season, Nice avoided the drop alongside Metz and Nantes, ensuring they will compete in Ligue 1 for a 25th consecutive season. Saint-Étienne, relegated following the 2024-25 campaign, will now face at least one more year in Ligue 2.