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Nice faces relegation playoff after Ligue 1 stalemate

By sahel-express / May 17, 2026

Nice faces relegation playoff after Ligue 1 stalemate

Football
Ligue 1

Nice settled for a goalless draw against Metz on Sunday, concluding the 34th and final matchday of Ligue 1 in 16th position. This forces the Côte d’Azur side into a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne on May 26 and 29. Meanwhile, Le Havre secured their top-flight status with a 2-0 victory over Lorient, while Auxerre also maintained their position after a 2-0 win at Lille.

The battle for survival in Ligue 1 came down to the wire on the final matchday. While Nantes and Metz were already confirmed for relegation to Ligue 2, the 16th-place finish—earning a playoff spot—remained uncertain until the final whistle. Nice, occupying that precarious position before the last round, failed to break free from it.

A dramatic finale in Saint-Denis

The Niçois could not overcome Metz at the Allianz Riviera, managing only a lifeless 0-0 draw. Despite controlling moments, they squandered chances and nearly fell victim to a late equalizer. The match’s tension culminated in a pitch invasion by frustrated supporters, underscoring the high stakes. Nice now faces a two-legged playoff against Saint-Étienne, with the first leg set for May 26 at Geoffroy-Guichard and the return on May 29 back in Nice. The playoff looms just days after the Coupe de France final, where Nice will face Lens at the Stade de France on May 22.

Sinayoko shines as Auxerre and Le Havre secure survival

Before the final matchday, Nice held 31 points, tied with Auxerre in 15th, and one point ahead of Le Havre in 14th. Their rivals for safety, however, faced must-win games away from home—and delivered. Auxerre stunned Lille with a 2-0 victory, propelled by a brace from Lassine Sinayoko (32′, 90′), his 11th and 12th goals of the season. Simultaneously, Le Havre triumphed 2-0 at Lorient, with Abdoulaye Faye scoring an own goal (33′) and Issa Soumaré doubling the lead (62′). Lorient‘s Bamba Dieng saw his penalty saved (45’+5′).

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