The first leg of the Ligue 1 relegation playoff proved to be a defensive stalemate as AS Saint-Étienne and OGC Nice played out a scoreless draw at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium. With both teams locked in a tight contest, the match ended 0-0, leaving the outcome wide open ahead of the return fixture in Nice.
The encounter was marked by a lack of clear-cut chances, with only 11 shots on goal combined between the two sides. Despite a passionate crowd roaring on the home side, Saint-Étienne struggled to break through a resilient Nice defense. Key opportunities arose for both teams, including a well-struck effort from Clauss in the 25th minute and a close-range header from Davitashvili in the 58th, but neither could find the back of the net.
The goalless result leaves both clubs in an uncertain position. For Saint-Étienne, who had home advantage, the failure to capitalize on their vocal support was a missed opportunity to gain a psychological edge over a Nice side still reeling from their Coupe de France final defeat last weekend. The visitors, meanwhile, were dealt an early blow when Bouaddi exited the field following a head injury, further disrupting their rhythm.
The decisive second leg will take place at the Allianz Riviera this Friday, May 29. The stakes remain high: will Saint-Étienne secure promotion alongside Troyes and Le Mans, or will Nice manage to retain their Ligue 1 status? The tension is palpable as both teams prepare for a high-stakes showdown.
