Nice vs Saint-Étienne: when and where to watch the Ligue 1 playoff return

The final pieces of the 2026-2027 French football season are about to fall into place. A decisive playoff return between Nice and Saint-Étienne will determine which club secures a spot in Ligue 1—or faces relegation to Ligue 2. The match kicks off this Friday, May 29, 2026.

Who will claim the last Ligue 1 spot?

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs. The victorious team will join the elite of French football, while the loser will be sent down to the second tier. After a lackluster 0-0 draw in the first leg at Geoffroy-Guichard, all eyes are on the Allianz Riviera for the return clash.

An empty stadium adds to the tension

This rematch will unfold in an eerie silence. Following fan disturbances during a recent Ligue 1 match against Metz, Nice has been hit with severe sanctions: two matches behind closed doors and a suspended point deduction for next season. With no supporters allowed, the players must deliver under intense pressure.

The contrast in recent fortunes couldn’t be starker. While Saint-Étienne has yo-yoed between divisions in recent years—relegated in 2022, promoted in 2024, and relegated again in 2025—Nice has enjoyed uninterrupted top-flight football since 2002. A drop to Ligue 2 would end a 24-year stay in the elite.

How will the tie be decided?

If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the match will head into extra time. Should the deadlock persist, a penalty shootout will follow. Gone are the days of the away goals rule—draws like 1-1 or 2-2 will not benefit Saint-Étienne as they once did.

Broadcast and kick-off time

The playoff return will begin at 8:45 PM local time. beIN Sports 1 holds exclusive rights to the broadcast.