Nice Survive Play-Off to Confirm Ligue 1 Status as Saint-Étienne Fall Short

Key Takeaways:

• OGC Nice ensured their place in Ligue 1 by defeating AS Saint-Étienne 4-1 on aggregate last night at the Allianz Riviera
• Zuriko Davitashvili netted a penalty for Saint-Étienne before late goals from Kail Boudache and Elye Wahi sealed victory for Nice
• Saint-Étienne failed to reclaim a Ligue 1 spot, despite high expectations after last season’s relegation

High-Stakes Encounter Under Empty Stands

On Friday evening, OGC Nice confirmed their Ligue 1 survival by overcoming AS Saint-Étienne 4-1 on aggregate in the decisive relegation play-off at the Allianz Riviera. This tense fixture took place behind closed doors, a result of supporter misconduct in the previous home match. Both teams entered the second leg with everything at stake: Nice were unexpected occupants of the play-off berth after a season that began with UEFA Champions League qualifiers, whilst Saint-Étienne arrived keen to secure a prompt return to France’s top flight, having retained talents Lucas Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili.

For the 25th consecutive season, Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice will compete in the top division in 2026–2027. ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/dmUGqCthTS

— OGC Nice 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@ogcnice_eng) May 29, 2026

Early Drama and Lasting Nerves

The first leg had finished in a goalless stalemate, with neither side registering a shot on target – leaving the tie finely poised. Tension remained high during the early exchanges in Nice, epitomised by the so-called ‘Match of Fear.’ In the 10th minute, Stassin found the net after redirecting Irvin Cardona’s effort, but the strike was chalked off for offside. Soon after, he threatened again with two stretching attempts, but was unable to test Yehvann Diouf.

Nice weathered these scares and gradually built momentum. Elye Wahi rattled the upright, while defensive duo Dante and Antoine Mendy went close before the break. Dominating both territory and opportunities, Nice might have led were it not for an impressive double save by ASSE goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, who denied Kail Boudache and then Wahi in quick succession. The hosts’ persistence paid off shortly after, as Jonathan Clauss volleyed home to hand Nice a crucial lead.

Turning Points and Final Flourish

Boudache and Wahi continued to probe, but Larsonneur repeatedly thwarted their advances. Against the run of play, Saint-Étienne drew level after a contentious penalty for handball against Mendy; Davitashvili converted with confidence to restore hope for the visitors.

In the closing stages, with ten minutes on the clock, the tie swung irreversibly in Nice’s favour. Boudache, reportedly poised for a transfer, curled in a courageous finish to reestablish Nice’s advantage. Saint-Étienne, forced to chase the game, committed men forward but failed to find an equaliser. Exploiting the resulting defensive gaps, Wahi broke free twice to finish clinically in one-on-one situations with Larsonneur, putting the result beyond doubt despite the nine minutes of time added on. Wahi, set to depart after his loan spell, left a significant mark with these decisive contributions.

Implications for Both Clubs

For OGC Nice, the final whistle brought an immense sigh of relief, as top-flight status was secured for another season. In contrast, Saint-Étienne’s disappointment will have far-reaching effects: the club’s owners possessed lofty ambitions for an immediate return to Ligue 1, but now face a summer of uncertainty regarding the retention of their most valuable players.