Jean Canesse, Media365: published on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:09 PM
AS Saint-Etienne blocked Rodez’s path to Ligue 1 on Friday night, after a tense match that ended in a penalty shootout (0-0, 7-6 on penalties). The Greens will find out on Sunday the identity of the 16th team in Ligue 1, their future opponent for promotion.
Just like two years ago, Saint-Etienne and Rodez faced off on Friday night at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, with the coveted ticket to the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoffs next week at stake. Two years ago, the Greens emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, and then regained their spot in the top flight by defeating Metz. The hope of a repeat scenario was still alive on Friday night. The road to victory was not without obstacles, however, as it came down to a penalty shootout and the crucial entrance of substitute goalkeeper Maubleu to secure ASSE’s passage (0-0, 7-6 on penalties).
It was in the 92nd minute when Larsonneur, down on the ground in the penalty area, forced the referee to make a change, bringing in Maubleu who had been warming up for the past ten minutes. Although Maubleu, a specialist in penalty shootouts, missed his own shot in a thrilling shootout, he also (most importantly) saved four attempts by Rodez players, ensuring qualification for Philippe Montanier’s team. Magnin, Lipinski, Galves, and Laurent all failed to beat the 36-year-old goalkeeper, and ultimately it was central defender Nade who secured Saint-Étienne’s success.
Benchamma misses the mark
Prior to that, ASSE faced many challenges in the first half, with Davitashvili being the only one who posed a threat with an off-target shot (29th minute). Rodez midfielder Younoussa was denied by the post from Larsonneur (21st minute), while his ambitious 45-meter lob came close to finding the net (28th minute). The real missed opportunity came when Benchamma, facing the goal alone, failed to score (81st minute). Didier Santini’s team, who had just eliminated Red Star (2-3), had been unbeaten in 21 competitive matches, but bid farewell to Ligue 1 on penalties on Friday night.
For the sixth time in seven editions, the third team from the regular season will face the 16th team in Ligue 1 for a spot in the top flight. Saint-Etienne now awaits to see whether Nice (16th), Auxerre (15th), or Le Havre (14th) will be their future opponent on May 21 and 24. These dates could change if Nice, who face Metz on Sunday and are potential finalists in the Coupe de France, remain in the playoff spot.
