Saint-étienne advances in ligue 2 playoffs thanks to maubleu’s penalty heroics

A dramatic penalty shootout decided the Ligue 2 Play-off 2 clash between Saint-Étienne and Rodez on Friday evening. The decisive moment came when coach Philippe Montanier made the strategic choice to introduce his substitute goalkeeper, Brice Maubleu, 36, in the final moments of regular time, replacing captain Gautier Larsonneur. This proved to be a masterstroke, as the veteran shot-stopper from Isère delivered four crucial saves, propelling Les Verts to a 0-0 (7-6 on penalties) victory. Saint-Étienne now prepares for a two-legged playoff against the 16th-placed team from Ligue 1, which will be either Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice, with their opponent to be confirmed this Sunday at 9 PM. The first leg is scheduled for May 21st at Saint-Étienne, with the return leg away on May 24th.

The penalty shootout itself was an intensely gripping affair. Saint-Étienne initially seemed poised for victory, holding a two-goal advantage after Maubleu’s first two saves. However, Aïmen Moueffek missed a potential match-winning penalty, his shot denied by Quentin Braat, recognized as Ligue 2’s top goalkeeper. With their backs against the wall, Djylian N’Guessan (just 17 years old), Abdoulaye Kanté, and Maxime Bernauer stepped up to keep Saint-Étienne’s hopes alive. Maubleu then made another save and even took a penalty himself, but failed to convert. Yet, his fourth pivotal save allowed Loïc Nadé to confidently dispatch his shot, sending Geoffroy-Guichard into raptures and securing the qualification.

rodez’s missed opportunities

“It was a complicated match,” admitted Saint-Étienne defender Maxime Bernauer. Indeed, Les Verts found themselves challenged by a spirited Rodez side, who arrived with an impressive 21-match unbeaten streak and a convincing 3-2 victory over Red Star in Play-off 1.

Didier Santini’s men displayed greater attacking intent in the first half, creating the best chances. Wilitty Younoussa rattled Gautier Larsonneur’s left post with a chipped shot in the 21st minute, and Tairyk Arconte forced another save from Larsonneur just before halftime (45th + 1 minute).

Perhaps showing signs of fatigue, Rodez faded somewhat in the second half. Saint-Étienne gained more possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. An exception was Moueffek’s strike, which was too central and pushed away by Braat in the 90th + 1 minute. Ten minutes earlier, the Ligue 2 fifth-place finishers had a golden chance to win on a counter-attack, but Sammy Benchamma inexplicably scuffed his shot after being found unmarked (81st minute). As a result, Rodez will remain in Ligue 2 for the 2026-2027 season, while Saint-Étienne keeps its promotion dreams very much alive.