Alone against the world. That’s the feeling gripping OGC Nice as they approach this relegation playoff. The club’s very existence in Ligue 1 is on the line over two high-stakes matches, and the Aiglons won’t be able to rely on their supporters for either leg. Not in the away game in Saint-Étienne nor in the return match at the Allianz Riviera.

This double confrontation arrives at the worst possible time for Nice. The team is already weakened by the suspension of Elye Wahi for the first leg, the physical toll of last week’s Coupe de France final, and the disruption caused by international call-ups. Wahi, Diouf, and Mendy won’t be available until after the return match on Friday.

The list of challenges keeps growing for the Aiglons. Their opponents, AS Saint-Étienne, are built for Ligue 1 and strengthened their squad last summer despite their relegation, while Nice’s own hopes of Champions League football have faded, leaving the club in a precarious position.

Gym in freefall: 26 defeats in 50 matches

Since August 6, Nice has suffered 26 losses in 50 games. A season of struggle that could yet find redemption if the players channel the fighting spirit they showed against Lens last Friday and eliminate costly individual errors. Optimism remains in the Nice camp, driven by the desire to secure the futures of 200 employees and allow manager Dante to retire with the club still in Ligue 1.