The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as two Ligue 1 hopefuls battle for survival. On Tuesday, May 26, Nice travels to Saint-Étienne in the first leg of the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoffs. Kickoff is set for 8:45 PM, with coverage available on both Ligue 1+ and beIN Sports. Radio listeners can also tune in for live commentary on RMC Sport.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Both clubs are fighting for a single spot in next season’s top flight. Nice, still reeling from a heartbreaking Coupe de France final loss, faces a Saint-Étienne side that has also undergone a managerial change this season. Philippe Montanier takes charge of the Greens with one clear mission: secure promotion back to Ligue 1.

Team selections remain uncertain due to scheduling conflicts with FIFA international duty periods. While Nice is expected to field a nearly full-strength lineup in Saint-Étienne, including most of their international players (except suspended Elye Wahi), the return leg on May 29 in Nice will see restrictions as French internationals report for duty. Away supporters won’t be able to attend the away fixture, and the return match will be played behind closed doors following recent crowd trouble at the Allianz Riviera.

when to watch the first leg playoff between Saint-Étienne and nice

The opening leg kicks off at 8:45 PM this Tuesday. With the playoffs postponed due to Nice’s Coupe de France final involvement, the revised schedule now clashes with international call-ups for the upcoming World Cup. Despite this, Nice should still field a competitive side in Saint-Étienne, though their lineup for the return match in Nice may be weakened by the start of international duty periods.

Elye Wahi will miss the first leg through suspension. The return match is scheduled for Friday, May 29 in Nice, though Nice supporters won’t be permitted to travel, and the game will be played without fans due to recent stadium incidents.

where to watch the first leg playoff clash between Saint-Étienne and nice

Football fans won’t need to choose between broadcast partners: the match will air simultaneously on Ligue 1+ and beIN Sports starting at 8:45 PM. Live radio commentary will also be available on RMC Sport, with streaming options accessible via the RMC Sport website and mobile app.