The decisive Ligue 2 play-off 2 clash between Saint-Étienne and Rodez on Friday evening culminated in an intense penalty shootout. Philippe Montanier’s crucial decision to introduce his reserve goalkeeper, 36-year-old Brice Maubleu, in place of captain Gautier Larsonneur just before the end of regular time proved to be the turning point. The Isère-born custodian delivered a heroic performance, making four critical saves to guide the Greens to a 7-6 victory in the shootout (after a goalless draw), earning them a two-legged promotion barrage against the 16th-ranked Ligue 1 side. The identity of their opponent – Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice – will be confirmed on Sunday. The first leg is scheduled for May 21st in Saint-Étienne, with the return match taking place away on May 24th.
The penalty shootout itself was a nerve-wracking affair. Saint-Étienne appeared to be on the brink of victory after Maubleu’s initial two saves gave them a two-goal advantage. However, Aïmen Moueffek failed to convert a potential match-winning penalty, his shot saved by Rodez’s Quentin Braat, who had been recognized as Ligue 2’s best goalkeeper. With their backs against the wall, Djylian N’Guessan (17 years old), Abdoulaye Kanté, and Maxime Bernauer stepped up to keep Saint-Étienne’s hopes alive. Maubleu then made another crucial save, and even took a penalty himself, only to miss. His fourth save of the shootout was ultimately the most significant, paving the way for Loïc Nadé to confidently convert his spot-kick, sending Geoffroy-Guichard into raptures.
rodez’s missed counter-attack opportunity
“It was a complicated match,” admitted Saint-Étienne defender Maxime Bernauer. Indeed, the Greens found themselves frustrated by a spirited Rodez side, who arrived at the game on an impressive 21-match unbeaten run and fresh off a convincing 3-2 victory over Red Star in Play-off 1.
Didier Santini’s men displayed greater attacking intent in the first half, crafting the best scoring opportunities. Wilitty Younoussa struck Gautier Larsonneur’s left post with a chipped shot in the 21st minute, and Tairyk Arconte forced a save from Larsonneur just before halftime (45th + 1).
Perhaps due to fatigue, Rodez’s intensity waned in the second half. Saint-Étienne gained more possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Aïmen Moueffek’s central shot in the 90th + 1 minute, saved by Braat, being a rare exception. Ten minutes earlier, the Ligue 2 fifth-placed team almost sealed the game on a counter-attack, but Sammy Benchamma, receiving the ball in a promising position, completely misfired his shot in the 81st minute. As a result, Rodez will remain in Ligue 2 for the 2026-2027 season, while Saint-Étienne’s dreams of promotion to the top flight burn brighter than ever.