01 Brice MAUBLEU (asse) during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats Playoffs match between Saint-Etienne and Rodez at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on May 15, 2026 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport)
The path to Ligue 1 is clear for Saint-Étienne. After a grueling penalty shootout victory, the Greens have earned the right to face the 16th-placed side in the top flight. Rodez, despite their 21-game unbeaten streak, fell short in a tense 0-0 draw that ended 7-6 on penalties at Geoffroy-Guichard.
Maubleu’s heroics seal the deal
Philippe Montanier’s bold strategy paid off as goalkeeper Brice Maubleu stepped in for the shootout, replacing Gautier Larsonneur. Though he missed his own penalty, Maubleu turned into a wall for Rodez’s attempts, making four crucial saves. His composure under pressure set the stage for Mikael Nadé’s decisive kick, securing Saint-Étienne’s spot in the playoff.
«I had the chance to win the match myself, but I missed. Then I had to step up and stop theirs—I just had to do my job,» Maubleu told reporters after the game.
A narrow escape for Rodez
Rodez, fresh off a 3-2 victory over Red Star, nearly pulled off an upset in the first half. Wilitty Younoussa’s strike rattled the crossbar, while Rodez squandered a golden opportunity in the 81st minute. Despite their resilience, the visitors couldn’t overcome Maubleu’s heroics.
Saint-Étienne, now on a five-match unbeaten run in shootouts, last tasted success in this format a decade ago. Their previous triumph in January 2016 came against Raon-l’Étape in the Coupe de France—a streak they extended with this dramatic win.
Playoff showdown awaits
The Greens now prepare to face the 16th-placed team from Ligue 1 in next week’s high-stakes playoff. Two years ago, Saint-Étienne overcame Metz in a similar battle, only to face immediate relegation. This time, they aim to reclaim their place among France’s elite with renewed determination.
The identity of their opponent will be confirmed after the 34th matchday of Ligue 1 concludes on Sunday.
