Les Verts have secured their shot at promotion. Teams like Le Havre, Auxerre, and Nice, currently battling to avoid the 16th spot in Ligue 1, are now on notice. While the specific opponent for the playoff will not be determined until Sunday, whoever faces Saint-Étienne will have to contend with the formidable atmosphere of Geoffroy-Guichard in their fight for top-flight survival. On Friday, Saint-Étienne brought an end to Rodez’s impressive 21-match unbeaten streak from their “Chaudron” stadium, with the match ending 0-0 before a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory.

Philippe Montanier’s bold tactical decision for the penalty shootout proved to be a masterstroke. The Saint-Étienne coach substituted starting goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, who reportedly facilitated his own exit, for Brice Maubleu, a known specialist in penalty situations. Maubleu truly shone, frustrating Rodez’s penalty takers with his heroics. Despite missing his own attempt, he made an astounding four saves. “It was unbelievable,” the evening’s standout player recounted. “I had the match-winning penalty, I missed it, then I absolutely had to make a save, and Mika (Nadé) finished the job.”

a familiar scenario

Just three days prior, Rodez had defeated Red Star 3-2, a team that finished fourth in Ligue 2, one place behind Saint-Étienne but one ahead of Rodez. In the first half of the playoff semi-final, Les Verts struggled to assert significant control over the game. Although they saw more of the ball, they rarely troubled Rodez goalkeeper Quentin Braat. Conversely, Wilitty Younoussa came close to scoring for Rodez, hitting the Saint-Étienne post with a fortunate strike. Rodez also squandered a massive double opportunity in the 81st minute, a moment they would surely regret.

Geoffroy-Guichard experienced moments of tension, but ultimately erupted in joyous roars following their team’s triumph in the penalty shootout. In a repeat of 2024, Les Verts once again prevented Rodez from reaching the playoff against the 16th-placed Ligue 1 side. Two years ago, Saint-Étienne had successfully navigated the playoff by defeating Metz (2-1, 2-2 a.e.t.) to regain their elite status, only to be relegated shortly after. Now, the Ligériens have another golden opportunity to make their return to the top flight next week. Their ultimate opponent will be revealed after the conclusion of the 34th and final matchday of Ligue 1.