Following a goalless draw against Metz at the Allianz Riviera, Nice finished 16th in Ligue 1 and will now face Saint-Étienne in a two-legged relegation playoff on May 26 and May 29. The clash comes just days after Nice’s Coupe de France final against Lens at the Stade de France on May 22. The first leg of the playoff will take place at Geoffroy-Guichard, with the return fixture set for the Allianz Riviera.

The match against Metz was far from straightforward. Nice dominated proceedings but squandered multiple chances, nearly paying the price for their profligacy. Only a series of crucial saves from goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf prevented a disastrous home defeat. The tension spilled over as Nice supporters stormed the pitch in frustration, a scene that has become all too familiar for the club in recent weeks.

While Nice’s fate hung in the balance, Le Havre and Auxerre delivered emphatic performances away from home to secure their Ligue 1 status. Both sides arrived at their respective matches with everything to play for, knowing that a win would secure their survival.

Auxerre stun Lille with a 2-0 win

Auxerre pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating Lille 2-0 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Lassine Sinayoko was the hero of the hour, scoring both goals in the first and 90th minutes to secure all three points. His brace took his Ligue 1 tally to 12 goals for the season, a standout contribution that will be remembered fondly by the club’s supporters.

Le Havre triumph over Lorient

Meanwhile, Le Havre travelled to Lorient with a mission to secure their Ligue 1 future. They accomplished it in style, defeating the Merlus 2-0. The victory was sealed by an own goal from Lorient defender Abdoulaye Faye in the 33rd minute, followed by a strike from Issa Soumaré in the 62nd. Lorient’s Bamba Dieng had the opportunity to extend his team’s lead from the penalty spot in stoppage time but saw his effort saved by the Lorient goalkeeper.

The battle for survival intensifies

Before the final day of the season, Nice, Auxerre, and Le Havre were locked in a tight race to avoid the drop. With Auxerre and Le Havre securing victories away from home, Nice’s inability to beat Metz condemned them to a playoff showdown against Saint-Étienne. The stakes could not be higher, as a loss would see the club relegated to Ligue 2.