The 2026-2027 French football season is nearing its climax, with one final matchup determining the last Ligue 1 spot. Nice and Saint-Étienne face off in a high-stakes second leg playoff this Friday evening, with the winner securing top-flight status while the loser drops to Ligue 2.

a tight first leg ends in frustration

The initial showdown at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium concluded in a goalless draw, leaving both sets of supporters frustrated by the lack of attacking opportunities. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the fate of promotion now hangs in the balance as the match shifts to Nice’s Allianz Riviera.

behind closed doors at the riviera

This decisive rematch will unfold in an eerie atmosphere, as the Allianz Riviera will remain empty. Recent pitch invasions by Nice supporters during a Ligue 1 clash with Metz triggered severe sanctions: two closed-door matches and a suspended point deduction for the 2026-2027 season. The OGC Nice, absent from Ligue 2 for over two decades, now faces its toughest test in years to avoid relegation.

Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne’s yo-yo trajectory continues, with relegation in 2022, promotion in 2024, and another drop in 2025. The Greens must secure victory to end their Ligue 2 exile and reclaim their place among France’s elite.

how the playoff works

In case of a draw after regulation, the teams will contest 30 minutes of extra time. If the deadlock persists, penalties will decide the winner. Note that away goals rule no longer applies—a 1-1 or 2-2 draw would not automatically favor Saint-Étienne, as it once did in past playoffs.

match details and broadcast

The kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 PM local time. The entire second leg will be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1, offering fans across France a chance to witness this pivotal clash.