The OGC Nice have kept their Ligue 1 status after a thrilling 3-1 victory over AS Saint-Etienne in the playoff second leg at the Allianz Riviera on Friday 29 May. After a goalless draw in the first leg that saw no shots on target, the match returned with far more intensity as Nice, finishing the regular season in 16th place, took control.

The turning point came when young forward Kail Boudache, aged just 19, scored in the 81st minute — just two minutes after Saint-Etienne had equalised from the penalty spot via Zuriko Davitashvili. Elye Wahi then sealed the win with two late goals in the 87th and 90+2nd minutes, sparking jubilant celebrations from players and bench alike.

With this result, Nice avoid relegation alongside Metz and Nantes and will compete in Ligue 1 for the 25th consecutive season during the 2026-27 campaign. Saint-Etienne, relegated at the end of the 2024-25 season, will now have to wait at least one more year in Ligue 2.