18 Ibrahima BALDE (raf) - 04 Balthazar PIERRET (red) during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats Playoffs match between Red Star and Rodez at Stade Bauer on May 12, 2026 in Saint-Ouen, France. (Photo by Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport) - Photo by Icon Sport
Rodez outplays Red Star in thrilling Ligue 2 playoff clash
In a dramatic Ligue 2 playoff encounter, Rodez secured a sensational 3-2 victory over Red Star at the Bauer Stadium, propelling them closer to Ligue 1 promotion. The Ruthénois fought back from two goals down to claim a pulsating win in a match filled with twists and turns.
A match for the ages
Red Star struck first through Kevin Cabral, who headed home a cross from Damien Durand in the 15th minute. The goal, a perfect header into the top corner, gave the visitors an early lead. Rodez, however, responded with Ibrahima Baldé, who equalized in the 29th minute after a physical battle in the box. The match was already heating up.
At halftime, the atmosphere at Bauer was electric, with fans treated to a spectacle of goals, close calls, and even a brief interruption on the pitch. But the second half was where the drama truly unfolded. Josué Escartin restored Red Star’s lead in the 61st minute, but Rodez quickly leveled again through Mathis Magnin, whose stunning half-volley beat the goalkeeper in the 67th minute.
The tide turned in the 69th minute when Wilitty Younoussa slotted home to put Rodez ahead for the first time. The Ruthénois, unbeaten since November, were on a mission. The match reached its peak in the dying moments as Giovanni Haag was sent off for dissent, capping off a chaotic and unforgettable night.
Rodez’s unbeaten streak continues
With this hard-fought victory, Rodez maintains their impressive unbeaten run in Ligue 2, stretching back to November. The team’s resilience and attacking flair were on full display, leaving their fans buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, Red Star’s dreams of promotion suffered a major setback, though their passionate supporters filled the Bauer Stadium with an emotional farewell.
Next up for Rodez is a trip to Geoffroy-Guichard to face Saint-Étienne in the next round of the playoffs. The atmosphere at the Chaudron promises to be even more intense, and Rodez will be eager to carry their momentum forward.
