In a thrilling second leg of the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff, Nice secured their place in France’s top football division with a commanding 3-1 victory over Saint-Etienne on Friday evening at the Allianz Riviera. The match, far more intense than the goalless draw in the first leg, saw the Niçois dominate proceedings and ultimately seal their fate.

The turning point came when Zuriko Davitashvili equalized from the penalty spot, only for Kail Boudache, the 19-year-old sensation, to restore the lead within two minutes. The teenager, who has been making waves in the team, delivered the decisive moment. Elye Wahi then added two late goals in the 87th and 90th minutes, putting the result beyond doubt and sending the home crowd into raptures.

The victory means Nice, who finished 16th in the regular season, will compete in Ligue 1 for the 25th consecutive year during the 2026-2027 campaign. Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne, relegated at the end of the 2024-2025 season, will face another year in Ligue 2. Metz and Nantes also managed to avoid relegation, securing their spots in the top flight for next season alongside Nice.