Saint-Étienne and Nice share spoils in playoff opener

AS Saint-Étienne hosted OGC Nice in the first leg of the Ligue 1 relegation/promotion playoff on 26 May 2026. The match ended 0-0 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Etienne Green made six saves to keep his team in the contest. Nice midfielder Terem Moffi tested Green twice in the first half but failed to convert.

Nice manager Francesco Farioli introduced midfielder Alexis Beka Beka at halftime. Beka Beka provided an assist for Moffi’s closest effort of the night in the 68th minute.

Saint-Étienne defender Maxence Rivera made a crucial block in the 75th minute to deny Nice forward Billal Brahimi. Brahimi had earlier forced Green into a save in the 22nd minute.

Both teams had chances to break the deadlock but failed to capitalize. Saint-Étienne’s substitute Dylan Saint-Louis forced Nice goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo into a late save in the 85th minute.

The stalemate sets up a tense second leg on 29 May 2026. The winner of the playoff will secure a spot in next season’s Ligue 1.