At the end of a tense penalty shootout, the Greens defeated a valiant Rodez team at Geoffroy-Guichard. They will face the 16th placed team from Ligue 1 in a decisive playoff.
Excitement at Geoffroy-Guichard! Saint-Etienne qualified for the Ligue 1 playoffs by beating Rodez on penalties (0-0, 7-6 on penalties) on Friday at their Chaudron in the 2nd round of the Ligue 2 playoffs. Goalkeeper Brice Maubleu was the hero for the Greens.
During the decisive shootout, Maubleu, who replaced Gautier Larsonneur in extra time (90+2), was crucial in saving four attempts from Rodez despite missing his own. On the other side, Rodez’s goalkeeper Quentin Braat saved three St Etienne penalties.
In the playoffs, ASSE will face Nice, Auxerre, or Le Havre from Ligue 1, with the second leg away (May 21-24).
In regulation time, the Greens dominated the game but were unable to score due to technical deficiencies and a predictable game plan against a well-organized opponent. In the first half, Rodez’s Braat struggled to save a shot from Julien Le Cardinal (24th) before Lucas Stassin missed the target (29th). By halftime, the Greens had only three shots with one on target.
Second half saw ASSE dominate, supported by an enthusiastic crowd. Rodez’s chances were limited, with Younoussa hitting the post (21st) and Arconte’s shot saved by Larsonneur (45th). Rodez struggled physically in the second half due to fatigue from their previous playoff win against Red Star (3-2). Their only chance fell to Samy Benchamma (82nd).
Rodez, who had not lost since November 7, ending a 22-match unbeaten streak, ultimately fell in the penalty shootout.
