Rodez shocks Red Star in thrilling Ligue 2 playoff clash

Red Star 2-3 Rodez (Aveyronnais)

Goals: Cabral (15′), Escartin (61′) for Red Star // Baldé (29′), Magnin (67′), Younoussa (69′) for Rodez

Red Card: Haag (90’+5′) for Red Star

In a Ligue 2 playoff showdown that will go down in history, Rodez Athletic Football (RAF) pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory against Red Star at the Bauer Stadium in Saint-Ouen. The Ruthénois team, undefeated in Ligue 2 since November, booked their place in the next round with a display of resilience and attacking flair. Now, they face Saint-Étienne’s passionate fans at Geoffroy-Guichard in a high-stakes encounter.

The match was a rollercoaster from the start. Red Star struck first through Kevin Cabral, who powered home a header from Damien Durand’s cross to give the Parisian side the lead (1-0, 15′). But Rodez responded swiftly when Ibrahima Baldé equalized after a physical battle in the box (1-1, 29′).

Rodez’s relentless attack seals historic win

The second half was pure drama. Red Star took the lead again when Josué Escartin slotted home after a clever pass from Cabral (2-1, 61′). But Rodez, playing with unwavering confidence, turned the tide in just ten minutes. Mathis Magnin’s stunning volley from a corner (2-2, 67′) set the stage for Wilitty Younoussa’s decisive goal (2-3, 69′), which sent the visiting fans into raptures.

The match’s climax was unforgettable. A late red card to Red Star’s Giovanni Haag, following a heated exchange with the referee, added to the drama. Despite their best efforts, the Parisian side couldn’t find an equalizer, leaving them to reflect on a heartbreaking loss in front of their loyal supporters.

Rodez’s next challenge? A fiery encounter against Saint-Étienne, where the atmosphere at Geoffroy-Guichard promises to be electric. The Aveyronnais are on a mission, and their journey to Ligue 1 is far from over.

Red Star (5-3-2):