The Aiglons have successfully defended their territory. OGC Nice confirmed their position in the top flight by winning the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff return match at the Allianz Riviera on Friday, May 29. After a lackluster first leg that ended in a goalless draw without a single shot on target, the return fixture against AS Saint-Etienne proved to be far more electric, ending in a 3-1 victory for the home side.
The match turned in the 81st minute when 19-year-old Kail Boudache found the back of the net, just moments after Zuriko Davitashvili had leveled the score from the penalty spot. Nice then took full control as Elye Wahi delivered a clinical double in the dying stages (87th and 92nd minutes), effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for the visitors and sparking celebrations on the bench.
By securing this result, the Gym—who finished the regular season in 16th place—avoids the drop alongside Metz and Nantes. This survival ensures their presence in the first division for the 2026-2027 campaign, marking their 25th consecutive year in the elite. Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne, who were relegated following the 2024-2025 season, must face at least another year in the second tier.
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