The final day of Ligue 1 delivered dramatic outcomes as Nice, Le Havre, and Auxerre navigated the season’s conclusion under intense pressure. Nice’s 0-0 draw with Metz condemned them to a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne, while Le Havre and Auxerre secured their top-flight status with crucial victories.

Nice, sitting 16th before the final matchday, needed a win to avoid the playoff but failed to break down Metz’s stubborn defense. The match ended in a frustrating stalemate, prompting furious home supporters to invade the Allianz Riviera pitch. The playoff against Saint-Étienne will now decide Nice’s fate in Ligue 1, with the first leg at Geoffroy-Guichard on May 26 and the return at the Allianz Riviera on May 29.

Le Havre and Auxerre shine in final-day drama

While Nice stumbled, Le Havre and Auxerre delivered standout performances to secure their Ligue 1 survival. Auxerre stunned Lille with a 2-0 victory, with Lassine Sinayoko proving the hero. The Ivorian forward scored twice, including a decisive 90th-minute strike, to secure his side’s top-flight status. At the same time, Le Havre triumphed 2-0 against Lorient, with Abdoulaye Faye’s own goal and Issa Soumaré’s strike sealing their safety. Lorient’s Bamba Dieng had a penalty saved in first-half stoppage time, adding to the drama.

These results meant Le Havre finished 14th, Auxerre 15th, and Nice 16th, setting up a high-stakes playoff that will determine who joins Nantes and Metz in Ligue 2 next season.