Two teams, two stadiums, two contrasting atmospheres. Following a dull 0-0 draw in a packed Geoffroy-Guichard, Philippe Montanier’s Saint-Étienne side must now overturn the deficit against Didier Digard’s Nice in a second leg that promises drama on the pitch despite empty stands. The match will be played behind closed doors after disturbances by Nice supporters during the 34th Ligue 1 matchday clash against Metz forced authorities to take this drastic measure.

While the stands remain eerily quiet, the pitch will buzz with urgency. Saint-Étienne’s bench can take heart from the return of Ben Old, their New Zealand international recovering from a hamstring injury, and Augustine Boakye, the Ghanaian midfield dynamo set to start. Both are included in Montanier’s lineup for the World Cup qualifiers. Opposing them, Nice welcomes back Elye Wahi, their star striker, adding further firepower to an already competitive squad.

OGC Nice vs AS Saint-Étienne, second leg playoff: kickoff at 20:45