High-stakes playoff match kicks off

The crucial first leg of the Ligue 1 / Ligue 2 playoff is underway at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, where St Etienne and Nice are currently locked in a 0-0 draw. The atmosphere is tense as both teams vie for an advantage in this high-stakes encounter. Referee Benoît Bastien is officiating the match, which began on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Early injury forces Nice substitution

The opening period of the match has been cautious, with neither team able to create a clear-cut opportunity. The most significant event so far occurred just 11 minutes into the game when Nice was forced into an early change. Midfielder Hicham Boudaoui sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Charles Vanhoutte. As of the 23rd minute, the score remains level.

Match statistics (23 minutes)

Early statistics show a tightly contested match. Nice holds a slight advantage in possession at 54% to St Etienne’s 46%. The visitors have also completed more passes, with 110 to the home side’s 94. However, the defensive solidity of both teams is evident, as neither has managed a shot on target. Both St Etienne and Nice have committed one foul each in a disciplined start to the game.

Team formations and lineups

Both managers, Philippe Montanier for St Etienne and Claude Puel for Nice, have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, signaling a strategic battle in the midfield.

St Etienne Starting XI

• Goalkeeper: G. Larsonneur (c)
• Defenders: J. Le Cardinal, D. Appiah, M. Bernauer, K. Pedro
• Midfielders: A. Kanté, L. Gadegbeku, Z. Davitashvili, A. Boakye, I. Cardona
• Forward: L. Stassin

Nice Starting XI

• Goalkeeper: Y. Diouf
• Defenders: K. Peprah Oppong, J. Bah, M. Bard, A. Mendy
• Midfielders: M. Sanson (c), H. Boudaoui (sub. 11′), S. Diop, J. Clauss, Tiago Gouveia
• Forward: M. Cho

Substitutes

St Etienne Bench: B. Maubleu, M. Nadé, F. Tardieu, João Ferreira, J. Duffus, E. Annan, I. Miladinovic, A. Moueffek, M. Toty.

Nice Bench: B. Zelazowski, A. Abdi, I. Jansson, C. Vanhoutte, K. Boudache, D. Coulibaly, Y. Ndayishimiye, Kevin Carlos, S. Abdul Samed.