Key details to follow the Saint-Étienne vs Nice playoff first leg
Football fans are in for a treat this Tuesday, May 26, as two of France’s most historic clubs lock horns in the first leg of the critical Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff. Saint-Étienne hosts Nice at the iconic Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, also known as Le Chaudron, with kickoff set for 20h45. The clash will determine which team secures a place in France’s top flight for the 2026-27 season.
This match comes at a pivotal moment for both sides. Nice, fresh off a heartbreaking loss in the Coupe de France final, will be looking to bounce back in style. Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne, under new manager Philippe Montanier, is desperate to regain its Ligue 1 status after a tumultuous season. The pressure is on—only one team will advance to the next round after this two-legged tie.
Match schedule and broadcast details
The first leg is scheduled to kick off at 20h45 and will be broadcast live on both Ligue 1+ and beIN Sports. Fans can also catch the action through RMC Sport’s live commentary on radio and their digital platforms. It’s a rare opportunity to see both channels collaborate on a high-stakes fixture that could shape the future of French football.
What to expect from the lineups
With international duty calls disrupting squad preparations, both teams face selection challenges. Nice is expected to field nearly all its international players for this first leg, though the return fixture—set for Friday, May 29—may see key absences as clubs prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. Notably, Elye Wahi will miss the match due to suspension, adding another layer of unpredictability to the proceedings.
Fans of Nice will be disappointed to learn that they won’t be able to attend the away leg. The club has been barred from traveling to Saint-Étienne, while the return match in Nice will be played behind closed doors due to recent crowd disturbances at the Allianz Riviera.
Why this match matters
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Winning this playoff means securing a spot in Ligue 1 for next season, while defeat could relegate a club to the second tier. For Saint-Étienne, it’s a chance to rediscover its former glory, while Nice will be fighting to avoid the disappointment of back-to-back seasons in Ligue 2. Every tackle, shot, and save in these two matches will carry immense weight.
