Nice faces relegation playoff after struggling against Metz in Ligue 1 finale

Nice’s fate in Ligue 1 hangs in the balance after a goalless draw against Metz on Sunday, securing the 16th-place finish and a playoff against Saint-Étienne on May 26 and 29. Meanwhile, Le Havre and Auxerre secured their top-flight status with victories over Lorient and Lille respectively.

After 34 intense rounds of Ligue 1 action, the final standings were decided in dramatic fashion. While Nantes and Metz were already confirmed as direct relegation candidates to Ligue 2, the focus shifted to the 16th position, which would force the team into a high-stakes playoff against Saint-Étienne. Nice, occupying this precarious spot before the final matchday, failed to escape it despite a home game against the league’s bottom side.

The Aiglons’ hopes of survival were dashed by a lackluster performance against Metz, ending in a 0-0 draw. The match, marred by poor quality, saw Nice narrowly escape defeat thanks to a heroic display by goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf. Frustrated supporters stormed the Allianz Riviera pitch in protest, adding to the chaotic atmosphere.

Nice will now face Saint-Étienne in a two-legged playoff to determine who secures a place in next season’s Ligue 1. The first leg is scheduled for May 26 at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, with the return match on May 29 at the Allianz Riviera. The playoff comes just days before Nice’s Coupe de France final against Lens, set for May 22 at the Stade de France.

Le Havre and Auxerre secure Ligue 1 survival

In contrast, Le Havre and Auxerre delivered strong performances to secure their Ligue 1 status. Before the final matchday, Nice, Auxerre, and Le Havre were all within a single point of each other, with Auxerre and Le Havre needing to win their away games to avoid the playoff.

Auxerre achieved a remarkable victory over Lille, with Lassine Sinayoko emerging as the hero. The Ivorian striker scored twice (32nd and 90th minutes), his 11th and 12th goals of the season, to secure a 2-0 win for the Auxerre side managed by Christophe Pelissier. Meanwhile, Le Havre triumphed 2-0 at Lorient, with Abdoulaye Faye scoring an own goal (33rd minute) and Issa Soumaré adding a late strike (62nd minute). Lorient’s Bamba Dieng missed a penalty (45th+5 minute), adding to the visitors’ dominance.

These results ensured that both Le Havre and Auxerre finished the season with enough points to avoid relegation, leaving Nice to face the playoff against Saint-Étienne. The drama of the final matchday underscored the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change in an instant.