Nice and Saint‑Étienne Draw 0‑0 in Promotion Playoff

Saint‑Étienne and Nice played a goalless draw in the first‑leg playoff on Tuesday. The match produced the fewest goal‑scoring chances of any French fixture this season. The tie serves as the Ligue 1‑Ligue 2 promotion/relegation barrage, with Nice representing the top flight and Saint‑Étienne fighting to return. Both sides failed to generate clear opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Statistical analysis recorded only a handful of shots on target, confirming the match as the season's poorest in chance creation. Defensive solidity and lack of penetration defined the encounter. Nice president Jean‑Pierre Rivère expressed surprise at the low quality of play. His comments highlighted expectations for a more competitive fixture. The result leaves the tie evenly poised, with the aggregate score still level. Both clubs must increase attacking output in the second leg to avoid a penalty shootout. The upcoming return leg at Nice's stadium will determine which side secures Ligue 1 status. A decisive performance is now required from both squads.