Red Star 2-3 Rodez

Goals: Cabral (15th) and Escartin (61st) for Red Star // Baldé (29th), Magnin (67th) and Younoussa (69th) for Rodez

Red card: Haag (90th+5) for Red Star

The Bauer stadium witnessed a rollercoaster Ligue 2 playoff match as Red Star FC and Rodez AF delivered a pulsating encounter. The Parisian side took an early lead through Kevin Cabral, who headed home from a Damien Durand cross, but Rodez quickly responded when Ibrahima Baldé equalized after a physical battle in the box. The Red Star faithful enjoyed a brief moment of celebration before Tairyk Arconte’s cross found Baldé to make it 1-1.

The second half saw Red Star push forward, with Cabral nearly doubling their advantage before setting up Josué Escartin for a 2-1 lead. However, Rodez refused to surrender, with Mathis Magnin volleying home from a corner to level the scores. The climax came when Wilitty Younoussa’s decisive strike—validated by VAR—gave Rodez a dramatic 3-2 victory. The match ended with Red Star’s Giovanni Haag receiving a red card for confronting the referee in stoppage time.

Rodez remain unbeaten in Ligue 2 since November

Rodez’s resilience was on full display as they maintained their unbeaten run in Ligue 2 since November. The victory secures their place in the next playoff round against Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium. The chaotic yet thrilling match featured missed opportunities, VAR controversies, and a passionate atmosphere, making it a night to remember for Ligue 2 fans.

Key moments of the match

• 15th minute: Cabral puts Red Star ahead with a powerful header.
• 29th minute: Baldé equalizes for Rodez after a scrappy play in the box.
• 61st minute: Escartin scores to give Red Star a 2-1 lead.
• 67th minute: Magnin’s stunning volley levels the game at 2-2.
• 69th minute: Younoussa’s VAR-confirmed goal seals Rodez’s dramatic win.
• 90th+5 minute: Haag is sent off for confronting the referee.

Team lineups

Red Star (5-3-2): Poussin – Sylla (Magnin, 75’), Durivaux, Escartin, Huard (Haag, 62’), Durand – Danger, Pierret, Hachem (Ba, 75’) – Cabral (Khaoui, 75’), Ikanga (Benali, 62’). Manager: Grégory Poirier.