The stakes could not be higher for OGC Nice this Friday evening as the club faces a pivotal relegation playoff against Saint-Etienne at the Allianz Riviera. With everything on the line—a place in Ligue 1 or a descent into Ligue 2—the outcome of this return leg will determine the future of both teams in France’s top flight.
The match that will shape the 2025-26 season
Following a goalless draw in the first leg, the return fixture in Nice becomes a winner-takes-all scenario. Both teams are locked in a tense stalemate, with just 90 minutes separating them from either survival or relegation. The stakes couldn’t be clearer: one club will celebrate, the other will face the harsh reality of dropping down a division.
Kick-off time and broadcast details
The highly anticipated clash is set to kick off at 8:45 PM local time. Fans eager to witness the drama unfold will need to tune in to either Ligue 1+ or beIN Sports, the two channels entrusted with bringing the action to viewers across France.
It’s worth noting that this match will be played behind closed doors. The French Football League’s disciplinary committee has imposed a two-match ban on OGC Nice, a decision stemming from crowd disturbances and damage to stadium facilities after the club’s recent encounter with FC Metz.
What’s at stake for both clubs
For OGC Nice, the playoff represents a chance to preserve their Ligue 1 status after a challenging season. A victory would secure their place in next year’s top flight, while defeat would send them plummeting into Ligue 2.
Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, arrives with ambitions of their own. A draw would be enough to force extra time, but the Greens will be pushing for a win to avoid the playoffs altogether and secure their top-flight survival outright. A loss, however, would leave them in a precarious position heading into the offseason.