The fate of two historic French football clubs hangs in the balance this evening as Nice and Saint-Étienne face off in a high-stakes Ligue 1 relegation playoff return match. The winner will secure a spot in next season’s top flight, while the loser will be relegated to Ligue 2.
This pivotal clash is set to kick off at 20:45 CET on Friday, May 29, 2026, with the match exclusively broadcast live on beIN Sports 1. Fans will need to tune in to witness whether Nice can maintain their elite status or whether Saint-Étienne will make a dramatic return to Ligue 1.
a tightly contested first leg ends in disappointment
The opening fixture at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium concluded with a lackluster 0-0 draw, offering little excitement for supporters of either side. With barely any clear-cut chances created, the stage is set for a thrilling second act at the Allianz Riviera, where both teams will fight tooth and nail for survival.
empty stadiums add to the tension
This rematch will unfold under unusual circumstances as the Allianz Riviera will be completely devoid of spectators. The empty seats are a direct consequence of recent crowd disturbances during a Ligue 1 fixture against Metz, where pitch invasions led to severe penalties for Nice. The club has been handed a two-match ban behind closed doors and a suspended point deduction for the upcoming season.
For Saint-Étienne, the situation couldn’t be more different. The Green Army has experienced a rollercoaster of promotions and relegations in recent years—dropping to Ligue 2 in 2022, returning to Ligue 1 in 2024, and then dropping back down in 2025. Meanwhile, Nice has enjoyed uninterrupted top-flight football for over two decades, with their last Ligue 2 campaign dating all the way back to the 2001-2002 season.
how the tie will be decided
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time. Should the deadlock persist, a penalty shootout will determine which team secures Ligue 1 status. Notably, the away goals rule no longer applies in this format—a 1-1 or 2-2 draw would not benefit Saint-Étienne as it once did.
key details at a glance
- Match: Nice vs Saint-Étienne (Ligue 1 relegation playoff return)
- Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
- Kickoff: 20:45 CET
- Broadcast: beIN Sports 1
- Venue: Allianz Riviera (behind closed doors)
- Possible outcomes: Promotion to Ligue 1 or demotion to Ligue 2
