Rodez shocks Red Star in dramatic Ligue 2 playoff showdown

Final score: Red Star 2-3 Rodez

Goals: Cabral (15^th), Escartin (61^st) for Red Star // Baldé (29^th), Magnin (67^th), Younoussa (69^th) for Rodez

Red card: Haag (90^th+5) for Red Star

In a rollercoaster Ligue 2 playoff match at Bauer stadium, Rodez AFC pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory against Red Star FC, overcoming two early deficits. The Ruthénois now head to Saint-Étienne’s Geoffroy-Guichard stadium for the next playoff round, where they will face an even more electrifying atmosphere. The evening delivered everything a football fan could ask for: sizzling merguez aromas, a golden sunset backdrop, and goals galore.

Red Star strikes first but Rodez fights back

The Red Star started strongly with Kevin Cabral heading in a precise cross from Damien Durand, beating Quentin Braat in the Red Star goal (0-1, 15^th). The home side continued to press, but Rodez equalized when Ibrahima Baldé capitalized on a physical challenge from Tairyk Arconte to nod in (1-1, 29^th).

The first half ended with chaotic scenes: police escorts on the pitch, fans waving from the opposite side, and Sweet Caroline blasting through Bauer’s speakers. But the drama was far from over.

Rodez dominates the second half

Red Star nearly doubled their lead when Braat made a crucial save to deny Cabral a second goal. Then came the turning point: Josué Escartin’s clever backheel pass set up Cabral to flick the ball into the net, giving Red Star the lead again (2-1, 61^st).

Rodez responded in style. Mathis Magnin’s stunning half-volley from a corner leveled the scores (2-2, 67^th). Just two minutes later, Wilitty Younoussa completed the comeback, slotting past Gaëtan Poussin to put Rodez ahead for the first time (2-3, 69^th).

The celebration was short-lived for Red Star. Giovanni Haag received a red card in stoppage time for dissent, sealing a heartbreaking night for the Parisian club. Rodez, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten league run since November, with their fans celebrating a hard-fought victory.

Next up: the fiery atmosphere of Saint-Étienne

The playoff journey continues for Rodez as they prepare to face Saint-Étienne in a high-stakes second leg at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, where the intensity promises to be even greater.

Red Star FC (5-3-2):

• Poussin
• Sylla (Magnin, 75^th)
• Durivaux
• Escartin
• Huard (Haag, 62^nd)
• Durand
• Danger
• Pierret
• Hachem (Ba, 75^th)
• Cabral (Khaoui, 75^th)
• Ikanga (Benali, 62^nd)

Manager: Grégory Poirier

Rodez AF (3-5-2):

• Braat
• Galves
• Laurent
• Magnin
• Lipinski
• Jean-Lambert (Ponti, 66^th)
• Mendes (Benchamma, 90^th+2)
• Trouillet (Saka, 86^th)
• Joly (Younoussa, 66^th)
• Baldé (Nagera, 86^th)
• Arconte

Manager: Didier Santini

By Martin Ngu — Politics and National Security