Rodez shocks Red Star in chaotic Ligue 2 playoff clash

Red Star stunned as Rodez claims dramatic Ligue 2 playoff win

In a breathtaking Ligue 2 playoff matchup at Bauer stadium, Rodez AFC emerged victorious with a thrilling 3-2 win over Red Star, sending shockwaves through France’s second division. The Ruthénois will now face Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard in the next round, while the Red Star faithful head home disappointed after an emotional rollercoaster.

Rodez AFC players celebrating their playoff victory over Red Star

An electrifying match ends with Rodez’s triumph

The Red Star started strongly, with Kevin Cabral opening the scoring in the 15th minute after a brilliant header from Damien Durand’s cross. Rodez quickly equalized through Ibrahima Baldé in the 29th minute, using physical dominance in the box. The home side then took the lead through Josué Escartin (61st), but Rodez fought back with goals from Mathis Magnin (67th) and Wilitty Younoussa (69th), the latter sealing a dramatic comeback.

Rodez’s unbeaten streak continues

Rodez remained unbeaten in Ligue 2 since November, and their resilience shone through in this high-stakes match. The team’s cohesion and attacking flair overwhelmed the Red Star defense, particularly in the final minutes. The visitors’ late red card to Giovanni Haag added insult to injury, compounding their heartbreak at Bauer stadium.

Match timeline

0-1 (15′) – Kevin Cabral (Red Star)
1-1 (29′) – Ibrahima Baldé (Rodez)
1-2 (61′) – Josué Escartin (Red Star)
2-2 (67′) – Mathis Magnin (Rodez)
2-3 (69′) – Wilitty Younoussa (Rodez)
Red card (90’+5) – Giovanni Haag (Red Star)

What’s next for both teams?

Rodez will now face Saint-Étienne in a high-pressure playoff match at Geoffroy-Guichard, while Red Star must regroup after this painful setback. The chaotic nature of this encounter left fans on the edge of their seats, proving once again why Ligue 2 playoffs are so unpredictable.

Team lineups

Red Star (5-3-2): Poussin – Sylla (Magnin, 75′), Durivaux, Escartin, Huard (Haag, 62′), Durand – Danger, Pierret, Hachem (Ba, 75′) – Cabral (Khaoui, 75′), Ikanga (Benali, 62′). Manager: Grégory Poirier.

Rodez (3-5-2): Braat – Galves, Laurent, Magnin, Lipinski, Jean-Lambert (Ponti, 66′) – Mendes (Benchamma, 90’+2), Trouillet (Saka, 86′), Joly (Younoussa, 66′) – Baldé (Nagera, 86′), Arconte. Manager: Didier Santini.

This match will be remembered as one of the most dramatic playoff clashes in recent Ligue 2 history, with Rodez AFC securing a memorable victory and a place in the next round.