In a dramatic turn of events, Saint-Étienne secured a thrilling victory over Rodez in the Ligue 2 playoffs, advancing to face the 16th-placed team from Ligue 1. The match, which ended 0-0 after regulation and extra time, was decided by a penalty shootout that saw Saint-Étienne triumph 7-6.
Maubleu’s heroics seal the deal
The turning point came when manager Philippe Montanier made the bold decision to substitute first-choice goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur with his deputy, Brice Maubleu, in the dying moments of the game. The 36-year-old shot-stopper, who replaced Larsonneur in the starting lineup, delivered a masterclass in the shootout, making four crucial saves to guide his team to victory.
Maubleu’s decisive fourth stop proved to be the game-changer. After Rodez’s Aïmen Moueffek missed the chance to win the match, Loïc Nadé slotted home the final penalty to send Saint-Étienne through to the next round. The clash against the Ligue 1 side will now take place over two legs, with the first match scheduled for May 21 at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium and the return leg on May 24 away from home.
Rodez nearly snatches victory
Despite the defeat, Rodez put in a strong performance, particularly in the first half. Saint-Étienne struggled to break down their resilient defense, with Maxime Bernauer admitting the match was far from straightforward. The visitors nearly took the lead on multiple occasions, with Wilitty Younoussa hitting the post from a close-range header in the 21st minute and Tairyk Arconte testing Larsonneur with a powerful strike just before halftime.
Late drama keeps hopes alive
Rodez dominated the second half but lacked the cutting edge to convert their chances. A late strike from Aïmen Moueffek was comfortably saved by Quentin Braat, the standout goalkeeper for the visitors. Moments later, Sammy Benchamma had the ball in the net but saw his effort saved by Braat, keeping the score level and forcing the game into extra time.
The shootout itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Saint-Étienne took an early lead in the penalty shootout, but Rodez clawed their way back. Key saves from Maubleu, including a crucial stop from Nadé, ensured the Verts maintained their composure under immense pressure. Ultimately, Saint-Étienne’s resilience paid off, securing their place in the playoffs.
What’s next for Saint-Étienne?
With this hard-fought victory, Saint-Étienne now prepares to face a Ligue 1 side in a high-stakes playoff that could determine their fate for the upcoming season. The team’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and turning their dreams of promotion into reality.
