OGC Nice faces a make-or-break Ligue 1 playoff this week. The first leg kicks off Tuesday evening at Saint-Étienne’s Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium under challenging circumstances.

The Aiglons head into this decisive double-header with their fate hanging in the balance. Without their supporters present at either leg and star striker Elye Wahi suspended for the opener, the pressure is immense.

Empty stands and suspension add to the pressure

French football fans will witness a unique spectacle as Nice plays their crucial playoff matches without any supporters allowed to attend. The away leg in Saint-Étienne won’t see a single Niçois fan in the stands, while the return match at the Allianz Riviera will also take place behind closed doors.

Adding to the challenges, Elye Wahi will miss the first leg due to suspension, while several international players remain unavailable as they prepare for upcoming international duties. The team’s preparation has been disrupted by recent events, including their Coupe de France final appearance.

A season of struggles continues

Since August 6th, Nice has suffered 26 defeats in 50 matches, a record that underscores the difficulty of their current situation. The team must find a way to overcome these obstacles and secure their Ligue 1 status for another season.

Head coach Claude Puel and his players face an uphill battle against an AS Saint-Étienne side that has been reinforced and is determined to maintain their top-flight status. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs.