Saint-Étienne’s dramatic playoff 2 victory over Rodez hinged on a bold tactical decision. With the match deadlocked at 0-0 after extra time, manager Philippe Montanier substituted first-choice goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur for Brice Maubleu in the 119th minute. The 36-year-old replacement made an immediate impact, saving four penalties in the shootout to guide his team through (7-6 on penalties).

The stakes were high: the winner would face the 16th-placed Ligue 1 side—either Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice—in a two-legged playoff. The first leg is set for May 21 at Saint-Étienne’s Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, with the return match on May 24.

Maubleu’s heroics seal Saint-Étienne’s advancement

The shootout was a rollercoaster. Maubleu’s early saves kept Saint-Étienne in contention, but a missed penalty by Aïmen Moueffek threatened to derail their progress. Youngster Djylian N’Guessan, Abdoulaye Kanté, and Maxime Bernauer stepped up to keep the dream alive. Though Maubleu’s own penalty attempt ended in failure, his fourth save proved decisive: Loïc Nadé converted to send Saint-Étienne through.

Rodez’s missed opportunity

«It was a tough game,» admitted Saint-Étienne defender Maxime Bernauer. Rodez, unbeaten in 21 matches, pushed hard but squandered a golden chance when Sammy Benchamma blazed his shot wide in the 81st minute. The fifth-placed Ligue 2 side will now focus on next season, while Saint-Étienne eyes Ligue 1 once more.

The match itself was a cagey affair. Rodez dominated early, with Wilitty Younoussa hitting the post in the 21st minute and Tairyk Arconte testing Larsonneur before halftime. Saint-Étienne struggled to find rhythm, though Moueffek forced a fine save from Quentin Braat in stoppage time.