Saint-Étienne didn't come just to defend and made that clear from the start against OGC Nice. In the 8th minute, Cardona found the back of the net, sending a strong message to the Aiglons. But the joy for Saint-Étienne was short-lived: VAR intervened and confirmed the offside. The goal was disallowed, but the warning was clear.
The Saint-Étienne side was well organized, their high pressing suffocated Nice and prevented the Aiglons from creating any danger in the opening fifteen minutes. In the 18th minute, Cardona crossed from the right for Stassin, whose shot went off target. ASSE seemed to have control of the match, but Nice gradually started to respond.
Wahi rattled the Verts by hitting Larsonneur's post in the 20th minute. Moments later, Clauss found himself in a perfect position close to goal, but the Saint-Étienne defense blocked his attempt (22'). Saint-Étienne responded immediately: a shot from Boakye forced Diouf to make a save (25').
As the match went on, the Aiglons started to take control. Nice's pressing intensified and Larsonneur was repeatedly called into action. Late in the first half, Dante (38') and then Mendy (39') came close to opening the scoring, but the Saint-Étienne keeper was alert. Both teams went into halftime with the score still 0-0, everything still to play for.
The second half started at the same pace, with Nice pushing forward. Wahi quickly found himself in a good position and shot from close range, but Larsonneur was there again (50'). On the other end, ASSE responded through Stassin, whose shot hit the post (53'). The teams traded blows: after a good team move, Boudache found Wahi near the goal, but the Nice striker missed his shot (58').
And after more than an hour of waiting, the long-awaited goal finally came. After a long throw-in from Nice, the Saint-Étienne defense failed to clear the ball properly in their own box. Clauss was there to strike a left-footed half-volley and beat Larsonneur (61'). OGC Nice could finally breathe, survival in Ligue 1 was within reach.
The Aiglons didn't stop there and looked to seal the win. Boudache and Wahi both tried their luck, but Larsonneur saved both shots (66'). The match seemed almost over, when a twist changed everything.
After a challenge involving Nadé, Mendy, and Dante, referee Mr. Buquet was called to the VAR. After reviewing the footage, he pointed to the penalty spot for a handball by Mendy (75'). Davitashvili converted the penalty to bring the teams level (78'). At the same time, Dante, hit in the face by Nadé's elbow, was forced to leave the pitch injured... for his last match with the Aiglons.
But Nice didn't let their heads drop. Right after the Saint-Étienne goal, Boudache took advantage of a poorly cleared ball by the defense after a duel with Wahi to place a precise left-footed shot past Larsonneur (81'). The Aiglons regained the lead at the perfect moment and moved closer to safety... before Wahi's third and fourth goals sealed their place in Ligue 1 for good (86', 92').
All that was left was to manage the end of the game, and the Aiglons did so with composure. The final whistle blew with a 4-1 scoreline, confirming their survival. The Allianz Riviera was empty, but there's no doubt Nice fans were celebrating from their sofas: after weeks of doubt and tension, OGC Nice keeps its place among the elite of French football. Saint-Étienne, despite a valiant effort and undeniable fighting spirit, will have to do better next season if they want to return to Ligue 1.