The clash between Ligue 2’s third-placed Saint-Étienne and Ligue 1’s sixteenth-placed Nice ended in a scoreless draw at the iconic Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, leaving both sides level ahead of the return fixture. The match lived up to its goalless billing, with neither team able to capitalize on their opportunities in a tightly contested encounter.

Despite the electric atmosphere generated by Saint-Étienne’s passionate supporters, the match lacked clear-cut chances. The hosts dominated possession early but struggled to break down Nice’s disciplined defense. Key moments included a header from Clauss in the 25th minute and a late strike from Boakye in the 60th, yet neither found the target.

Nice, missing an influential player due to injury early in the game, failed to impose their style, leaving Saint-Étienne frustrated by their inability to capitalize on home advantage.

The result leaves the playoff outcome wide open ahead of the second leg at Nice’s Allianz Riviera on Friday, May 29. The stakes are high: will Saint-Étienne secure promotion alongside Troyes and Le Mans, or will Nice cling on to their Ligue 1 status? One thing is certain—this tie is far from over.