AS Saint-Étienne are a win away from a trip back into the top-flight of French football. In what was a dull semi-final playoff match with Rodez AF, Les Verts pulled it out on penalties thanks to a gutsy call made by manager Philippe Montanier. With the game seemingly heading to spot-kicks, he brought on Brice Maubleu (36) for the shootout, a move which wound up paying off.
Coming on in place of Gautier Larsonneur (29) proved to be a decisive change. The veteran reserve goalkeeper stopped four Rodez penalties to advance his side into the promotional final later this month. Saint-Étienne won 7-6 on penalties after the match ended 0-0.
This side were relegated to the second tier after finishing second from bottom in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign. They will face either AJ Auxerre, OGC Nice, or Le Havre AC for a place in the top-flight. The first leg takes place at Stade Geoffrey-Guichard on May 21, with the return engagement slated for May 24.
GFFN | Joel Lefevre
