As the 2026-2027 French football season edges closer to completion, the final pieces of the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 puzzle are about to fall into place. The spotlight shines on Nice and Saint-Étienne, locked in a high-stakes playoff duel this Friday, May 29, where only one team will secure a spot in France’s top flight. The loser faces demotion to Ligue 2.
An uneventful opener at Geoffroy-Guichard
The first leg, held at Saint-Étienne’s Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, delivered little excitement. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, and the match concluded in a goalless draw. With everything still to play for, the decisive second leg unfolds at Nice’s Allianz Riviera this evening.
Empty stands await the showdown
This return fixture carries an unusual twist: the Allianz Riviera will host an audience of precisely zero. Recent incidents involving pitch invasions by Nice supporters during a Ligue 1 clash with Metz have led to severe penalties. The club faces two closed-door matches and a suspended point deduction for next season. With no fans allowed, the players must focus solely on the pitch.
While Saint-Étienne has experienced a rollercoaster ride in recent years—dipping to Ligue 2 in 2022, bouncing back in 2024, and dropping again in 2025—Nice’s trajectory tells a different story. The Côte d’Azur club has not spent a single season outside Ligue 1 in over two decades, with its last relegation occurring in 2001-2002.
What’s at stake?
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time. If the deadlock persists, a penalty shootout will decide the fate of both clubs. Gone are the days of away goals—this season, a 1-1 or 2-2 draw will not give Saint-Étienne any advantage, as the rule has been scrapped.
When and where to watch
The kickoff is scheduled for 20:45 CET, with the action exclusively broadcast on beIN Sports 1.
