With Nantes and Metz already confirmed as direct relegation candidates, the 16th position in Ligue 1 remained up for grabs. Nice, sitting in that spot before the final matchday, failed to break the deadlock against bottom-placed Metz (0-0), sealing their fate in the relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne. The playoff matches are scheduled for May 26 and 29.

Nice’s missed opportunity

The Allianz Riviera witnessed a lackluster performance as Nice’s attack faltered against Metz. Despite a heroic display from goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf, who kept his team in the game, the hosts couldn’t capitalize on their dominance. The goalless draw triggered a pitch invasion by disgruntled Nice supporters, adding to the club’s chaotic end to the season. The playoff showdown against Saint-Étienne will now decide Nice’s Ligue 1 future, with the first leg in Saint-Étienne and the return in Nice.

Heroic performances secure Ligue 1 status for Le Havre and Auxerre

While Nice stumbled, both Le Havre and Auxerre delivered emphatic victories to secure their Ligue 1 survival. Auxerre triumphed 2-0 at Lille, with Lassine Sinayoko starring as the hero, scoring twice in stoppage time to complete a remarkable comeback. His 11th and 12th league goals of the season were pivotal in securing a dramatic win. Simultaneously, Le Havre defeated Lorient 2-0, with defender Abdoulaye Faye scoring an own goal and Issa Soumaré adding a late strike. The Merlus finished the season strong, while Lorient’s Bamba Dieng missed a penalty in the first half.

These results meant that Auxerre finished 15th and Le Havre 14th, leapfrogging Nice in the standings. The relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne will now be Nice’s only path to Ligue 1 survival for next season.