OGC Nice vs AS Saint-Étienne: second leg of promotion playoffs
The decisive second leg of the Ligue 1 promotion playoffs is underway as AS Saint-Étienne faces OGC Nice at the Allianz Riviera. After a goalless draw in the first leg at Geoffroy-Guichard, the Verts have their fate in their own hands.
The match, originally scheduled to be played in front of a packed stadium, has been moved to a closed-door format due to crowd disturbances following the 34th matchday of Ligue 1. Despite the empty stands, the intensity on the pitch remains undiminished, with both teams aware that only a win will secure their Ligue 1 status for next season.
For AS Saint-Étienne, the return of key players like Ben Old, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and Augustine Boakye, a Ghanaian midfielder and regular starter, provides a significant boost to Philippe Montanier’s squad. Their opponents, OGC Nice, will also be strengthened by the return of Elye Wahi, a star forward who adds firepower to Claude Puel’s lineup.
Key details of the clash
- Teams: AS Saint-Étienne vs OGC Nice
- Competition: Ligue 1 promotion playoffs second leg
- Kick-off: 20:45 CET
- Venue: Allianz Riviera, Nice
- First leg result: 0-0
- Attendance: Closed-door match
The stakes could not be higher. For Saint-Étienne, a victory would mean an immediate return to the top flight, while a loss would leave their future uncertain. Nice, on the other hand, are fighting to avoid a return to Ligue 2 and will be desperate to secure a draw or better to progress.
With both teams missing key players in the first leg and the added pressure of this high-stakes rematch, expect a fiercely contested encounter that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
